The Bradford Files: The Red Sox offseason in review with Rob Bradford and Alex Speier

And so forth over at third finals right now phone WEEI -- Welcome to another addition the Bradford files today I have my colleague from the -- excellent Alex beer welcome Alex I can't believe that I'm fortunate enough to be a guest on this so thanks for having me around I don't know how we get out of but as you know we went down the hallway at -- ones and the so we're going to be that the diving into Red Sox he didn't pan as we have released the entire offseason to really got a good break. But the first thing we're gonna do as we headed to spring training is -- take a quick review of what we. Just witnessed in regards to what was one of the craziest off.

Seasons and in recent memory and I different offseason because I think that one of things when we say crazy we think of Q transactions but this was just craziness cents of every single day something else happen yeah I think it's a good way of putting him because first of all it started with essentially organizational instability in some respects there was a lot of continuity to be sure because. Theo Epstein left bench Harrington who's been working with him incredibly closely. Firm you know almost a decade ends up being the guy who -- who takes over -- so there's philosophical continuity but at the same time. You still had a general manager leaving you still had a manager leaving who had been. This really kind of bedrock of stability for the Red Sox for what eight years and end you had this far reaching search you had. Uncertainty about which direction they were going in terms of replacing some departed personnel like Jonathan Papelbon. I would say that yeah there there were a lot of foundational elements of the Red Sox that ended up believing in being replaced over the course of the offseason so from that standpoint it was more tumultuous. Than other off seasons --

Well you know the interesting thing is is that. I think -- insurance and would who would say this is that it was unique in the sense does that there had to be some foundation building before. The rest of this stuff was taking care. And whether you look at it as that as putting them behind the eight ball or not. But that was a reality do you pad as you mentioned the manager search you had organizationally you had international scouting. You had the training staff all of that had to be turned over -- And that was their priority. Now they couldn't do a whole lot because of financial restraints but this was clearly the priority and if you view I think Alex I don't know how you feel about this. But if you ask them. What you can -- this offseason what with a big move for. It wasn't Cody Ross it wasn't David Ortiz signing it was building what they perceived as the new foundation.

Which makes a lot of sense for bench Arrington because he's an infrastructure guy you know he was the guy who really put together the nuts and bolts of the so called scouting and player development machine. In figured out what that meant to it's my nudist detail. And built up a really really successful farm system and draft process and helped -- to build you know the draft process help to build the international process worked. Extensively and all of those different respects in order to create. Systems that can allow success -- something that I think that he thinks a lot about in so it makes a lot of sense that as the general manager a lot of his time. Was devoted to that in this first off season even as he was. Obviously in the middle of trying to think how how different moves impacted each other in how to build up the roster but I think you're right there was. This was an offseason about infrastructure. With the Red Sox organization and we're going to see what the end result is of that. He had a man who's -- couple questions were wanna get -- and I'll let you leading to him because you're gonna lead into well all I think it's kind of let's kind of think about some of the personnel stuff because. It's really difficult for us to get a handle on exactly. What's that impact is of the medical moves with the impact star of the training staff moves because. You know we we don't have really a mechanism through which to judge them -- judge that landscape so I guess it is worth kind of thing sinking their teeth into they build this infrastructure. What did that lend itself to in terms of the in terms of the personnel so. The first move of the offseason that occurred in terms of players was. Jonathan Papelbon waved goodbye. He had -- with a fifty million dollar watt smile. There's been so and there's a new look both had good -- Papelbon to -- perhaps in all likelihood to either a service or -- I think it's unlikely. They've both of them ends up in the rotation but there's a pretty good shot that one of them ends up pitching for the Red Sox is -- start this coming year. So the Red Sox moved to replace those two guys by acquiring. -- billion mark my lands in your thoughts.

Why you look back at the palpable on situations and you know week we can talk about oh we'll use their interest in Amare are all the drama that went up to him but the reality was. They knew for awhile they were not re sign Johnson palpable. And it would have been nice in a perfect world to have the guy who had been closer for the longest tenure of any pitcher ever in that role. For the Boston Red Sox to stay in continuing he's doing column because you want to have the best players at each position but it just wasn't feasible. You know I think -- I don't know if you -- you would agree with that but -- test you they knew what the what the budget was going to be coming in and that was going to be part of the budget.

I mean honestly. Well I lost in that equation in that presentation -- assume for a long time the Papelbon was going to be gone if his agents hadn't done a really good job of getting him signed with the Phillies. Before the new collective bargaining agreement had taken place the Jonathan Papelbon might -- been in. It you know in a pretty rough position along the lines of the one that Ryan Madson found himself in where he ended up signing a lawyer.

Eight and a half million dollar or K rod or or you know some of these other guys and and you know we we talked to the time about elevenths in sort of a month agents how the typically get their guys signed early pressure relief pitchers they did the year before with a Joaquin Benoit. And but this year became as you point -- I think it became even more important. Cinco what you should give them a bigger cut him down and -- related since that they did an incredible job and you've UC people you know kind of criticizing that -- per.

The worst move of the offseason by any team not because Papelbon to bad pitcher obviously he's great he has a great track record. He's done extraordinary things but because it was just a huge overpaid relative to anything else that happened. In the relief market and so Jonathan Papelbon making twelve and a half million dollars a year for the next four years. Meanwhile the Red Sox got Andrew Bailey mark my lands and who between them are going to make about four million dollars for the coming season. And really like over the life of their entire time in Boston. A guy like Milan sin is probably not going to see that much more than twelve and a half million dollars for the next five seasons so them the bullet continues.

To me is very interesting and obviously you start thinking about it more because. Because when they trade market is Karolyi said well you had a built in guy were perceived as a starting shortstop. Instead Lowrie also and mark Lance and becomes a very important part he was a very important part before 'cause anytime -- you have an eighth inning guy he is an important guy. But when you view it through you traded away what really is you're starting shortstop and what. Some people think is a middle rotation potentially middle rotation guy may be more back if there -- so sure island Major League starting pitcher. And who all we need to maybe not but the the potential to be that guy. Then it becomes like all the guys that you go back even though he's under cost control for awhile he better be good and and he by all accounts you know he has some potential to be that eighth inning guy but he better --

Well I think that there are some people. You know in the industry and I'm talking about guys who are with teams other than the Red Sox -- say that -- Lance and is actually very underrated his stuff is tremendous. You know really played well in in. You know pretty bad situation in Houston. I've I've heard you know some people suggest that he's you know legitimate closer material and if they have that guy. In front of Bailey won as a regular as a regular rule of thumb. Or number two as someone who's able to fill in for Bailey. And kind of you know in kind of limit the amount of the amount of expected workload on him because he hasn't been a guy who's proven his ability. To stay healthy year after year in your -- that is -- then that's a really valuable thing if they have multiple closing options these so called the in the much anticipated. Committee of closers for that the Red Sox thought that they might have last year that never materialized. That's a pretty important equation well added depth to you know late innings. But a depth of of options for the late -- well.

you talk about that you were and we're talking about potential closers and we we you know he talked about. That the top of the rotation guy but really where the the team isn't flocks and and what they worked on the off season here is that kind of space between the four starter in the seventh inning. And spot and maybe some of the finish. Because we can we know that Bailey's gonna pitch in the in the ninth we know them -- Lance and is slotted in to pitch the eighth we know that back -- at least like kind of the artist roll -- critical right. Laid it yes -- quote unquote eighth inning pitcher which -- pitch in the seventh. But then okay you know who is gonna step up in that space between which are very important spaces. And we we you look at OK who can be the other -- eighth inning guy with -- I think that I prepared for me it's a service in IE you listen he could jump in and be a great starter. By it he showed me enough where he can pitch an eighth inning or that seventh inning. We don't know what to expect I'm taking Jenks out of the equation is that fair for now he's a wild -- at some point I think that they are hopeful that at some point he'll be able to be a part of that late innings sure but there's no certainty -- right -- and so. So for the guys -- the potential is there another wildcard I think in this situation is Vincente Padilla. Because of the guys that they guy went out and guys in regards to the potential for the fifth starter he is the one guy in my group and tell me if you think I'm Ron. That has the potential to -- maybe pitch in the eighth inning or seventh seventh.

The potential yes although the other guys who are important to not in that group of guys who were going to answer campus starters is Felix to Bryant who was supposed to be. A significant contributor in 2011 and health problems held him back. I if you do bronze in Padilla honestly is kind of comparable wild cards to branches out of options. He is going to have to. Prove that he's ready for a big league roll out of the -- but. That's a really good left handed arm that -- that you know you that hasn't a nice three pitch mix that could be an impact contributor. And Padilla you know he does have the stuff to be a reliever he was going to be a reliever. With the Dodgers in 2011 and was for his or whatever -- a closer for for like a week two weeks yeah. Before you had weird neck problems -- no one has ever at that led to an unprecedented surgery that. Yep that makes him a giant giant question mark but. Yeah I think they -- well I I think that it's. I do you wanna go back to the idea that it's almost a given to me that either barter a service ends up back in the bullpen it -- both at some point in the course of the year. So I think -- one of those two slots is being that third late innings.

and I think he has to be right I mean I mentioned. He'll Bailey Milan in and then you almost have to -- one of those guys to be part of that equation because why you have some potential you mentioned abroad. You know Padilla potential guys who could fit that mold Jenks is another potential guy Franklin Morales had some good outings yeah Franklin -- out certainly part of the ball and the what you need is another guy with a little more certainty in terms of pitching that eighth inning along with the -- Lance and and those guys you mention those of the two guys who make the most sense.

This has been a circuit looked jittery approach to our I discuss -- just as I was just gonna say that indeed but I think that you actually have to have -- very nicely thank you two to the question what what do you make of the rotation because obviously that has implications for the bullpen but. The Red Sox have decided to court a bit of uncertainty at the back end of their of their rotation they have what 7000 guys were going to be we're going to be competing for. -- number four number five starter spots you have you know Beckett Lester and Buchholz of the givens and then entering camp. They they anticipate or at least we've heard that they're probably going to be stretching out. Let's let's go through the laundry list of guys you know -- service Carlos Silva Aaron Cook -- Vicente Padilla. Do Bronx is another one Andrew Miller. So do you think I guess you know what we'll talk more in a subsequent podcast previewing spring training about that group competing at the back end but. Is the rotation is this the right approach with the rotation to allow these spots to be kind of wild cards.

I don't think it's an ideal approach you know I think -- they would admit that. That is if they could go and even with an old -- I -- this note everyone gets all hot and bothered by a Royals -- But -- You know because -- because it's -- it's very personal laughs Q does miss the Mississippi thing the but. He's a name and he's done things in the past and he certainly more for certain -- anything may have. What you don't know what he would do translate the American League that said. Then I think that the team. In a perfect world would like some more certainty heading into camp. They're living there there OK with living life without that kind of certainty but I think in a perfect world that's how they would view it bomb because. All these names that you just mentioned that it just isn't the case in this is the casualty in my mind the biggest casualty of this spending that we're talking about throughout the offseason this is the cat Billick Kuroda. Because they like road sure but could they have paid ten million dollars or do they wanna pay ten million dollars for Kuroda no. They -- allocate that much Stewart and and that's the perfect guy high that you say hey you know what he might not be an ace but he's a really good for starters.

Right and same with Edwin Jackson and get in a really nice fit because of the certainty those books -- interesting because the stuff is good this stuff is legit you know we heard. Scouting reports that doesn't late in the year it really came back after he. Kind of got his back right but. There is the uncertainty with him about how healthy he's going to be able to remain over the course of a full season. And especially pitching in a more taxing league. There there is some uncertainty with those ball that I think is different than the uncertainty. That goes into this group of you know of we've I think we isolated about seven guys competing for this. Further further further rotation I mean it is interesting to me thinking about. How you structure championship winning rotations. And I do think that you need to have you know for a legitimate starters. For most teams that the chart record of the last decade is it by the end of the year you need to have four legitimate starters. Who can carry you through to post season meaning roughly league average or better and you don't necessarily need guys you don't -- need -- dominant guys that's not the template. It has gotten teams to and through the World Series. But you do need you know you do need guys who can give you innings American. And who can be you know serviceable at the very least. So. The interesting thing though is that a lot of teams have made changes on the fly in the middle of the season whether that's promoting from within and finding an internal ensor. Or whether -- many of whom.

Which by the way as we see here -- someone always emerges in the -- I understand that but as we sit here. Isn't that guy this as hey you know what we're waiting for Matt more to come up. Can save today is a million the Red Sox still have that guy. Right now. -- their.

Internally they don't have a lot of guys who are in the upper levels and ready to be and not homegrown guys anyway I mean that's the interesting thing about all of their minor league free agents. Whom they signed to guys like coach in -- Padilla and it's set in and those sorts. But now homegrown while and was the closest. He's now gone obviously. They feel good at what I won't say they feel good but. They actually feel pretty good about the idea that Alex Wilson could step up. In maybe be a spot starter at various points in the season but there is uncertainty there if he's a guy who's you know not get on the forty man roster. But we showed a lot of a lot of progress last year. In a starting role. And then -- you know whom we alluded to -- you know a little bit before. Was viewed at that as that guy entering last year the homegrown guy who looked like he was ready to be a big league starter. In with last year's injury riddled season he showed the stuff to be a starter. But he didn't show the the durability to be there in the kind of proper approach and professionals nation to be able that interest him.

Guy in the dressing guys in this might be for a future podcast by. -- we're talking about the construct. In them constructing. The pitching staff just as our -- an interesting guy to me. And and we can talk about you brought the Bronx is that has a lot of potential and maybe steps up to be the guy what people thought he was going to be last year. But his hours of very very interesting guy in terms of is he obviously healthier than last are coming off Tommy John. But also the by all accounts this mentality. And and what he brings to the table lineup in week this might be a topic for another day. But if we're talking about names potentially fit in whether it's in the bullpen or all wild -- in the rotation maybe.

I agree I think that he will be an impact pitcher at some point affected the Red Sox kept among their forty man roster at the cost of you know a good seven or 800000 dollars which is. More than the typical guy with his service time is going to make. Speaks to how the team thinks that he's going to be an important piece I just get the sense that they are -- increasingly to the conclusion. But he's going to be a bullpen guy which is why dimension for the rotation but I agree that he's going to be a guy who. We do see in the major leagues at some point this year and and you know in someone whom they hope. We'll be able to make some kind of an impact.

They didn't and you as as to summarize in terms of how I feel about them coming in their their strategy with the starting rotation. I think that two guys not only were there with a rotation now only with a pitching staff but I probably with the entire team if you gonna ask me to guys -- the most important guys. Awful what they've done in the off season. It is Clay Buchholz and Daniel Bard and Clay Buchholz past to become. -- close to 200 inning pitcher in mine mine at least 180 right and he's he's he's been give it. But this is something that's not on his reps me I'm not talking about -- earnings I'm talking about. Consistently close to a two carrying guys right in and Bard is the other guy who begins enormously important mine mine. Because. He has something that that these other pitchers don't have which is the potential. And I know the -- uncle potential to be a top of the rotation starting pitcher. We don't know if he's gonna come close to that but there's no anybody in correct me if I'm wrong it is anybody else who has that ability.

Ceiling is clearly higher than anyone else's because of you know because of the stuff is not it's interesting because one time I remember talking to -- about dot about a guy. About a guy whom. The Mariners were concede -- the Mariners once considered drafting -- with. What the number 56 overall pick it suggested Brendan -- they drafted Brenden Morrow and so one time I talked to Bart about Brenden Morrow and he said. And this was in the game when when Morrow is starting for the Blue Jays he said yeah we look at that guy in the bullpen and we say yeah he really looks like a reliever. It's funny because Bard is kind of you know it'll be interesting to see how -- plays out because they have similar stuff which in many ways like you know the velocity in the middle of the rotation. And underrated three pitch mix but you know with a lot of uncertainty surrounding how that transition can go.

Would say you know when reduce the podcasts earlier this year in the off season it self promotion if -- votes if I was a's cross promotion but it's true that really obviously podcasts but it's just. By we asked okay what pitcher do you see yourself. And -- you we expect him to say oh well you're -- he myself to let's give Barkley. Clayton -- whoever. It's -- Brenden Morrow and you know I'm sure that some of that stem from things that you talked about that this guy has been on his radar for awhile. By Brenden Morrow isn't a guy who you say -- he made a seamless transition from bullpen to starting rotation. It is still a work in progress which I think -- is replete come to grips with you know what. I've seen the lumps -- a guy like Brandon Morrow has gone through and I'm fully expecting so.

Of those slumps the one other person who we neglected to mention in hockey -- rotation equation who's going to be very interesting is Daisuke Matsuzaka and because especially if the Red Sox have Bard go into the rotation. It may well be that Bard is not meant to stay in the rotation over the full course of the season because. You know they wanna be careful about his workload. There's -- did there's a decent likelihood that a guy who's. Who hasn't been a starter since 2007. Is going to have some is going to at some point. See kind of diminishing stuff for fatigue setting in at that point the Red Sox could well shift him back into the bullpen where they know that. He's kind of an electric arm. In which case they would need someone to replace him if he does and Padilla animation obviously in that someone could well be someone like Daisuke Matsuzaka in a.

Perfect world I think by. As we know with Daisuke this there hasn't been too many perfect world there's more been his own world he had -- and and I think -- Bard -- they're gonna do and you know this is there I think they're gonna play by yours an inside sound so general. But really is to get a player by you you can't say hey this C. J. Wilson he's he's gonna pitch over 200 innings right out of the ball but. Coming off the ball and going to start imitation. He just can't do that so I think they'll manage things I think they'll play by year but in regards to Daisuke. You're talking John people obviously the guy who scouted him for years over in Japan is that this is people have not seen the guy that pitched it in -- seventh. We heard about that -- I have not seen bright and and so why was he pitching at 90891991. Why was he well. Was it because the elbow. I think we're gonna find out in and we we -- well documented proof that it guys come back throwing harder. But that the -- out here I think with Daisuke is by every one is queuing up their stories here comes trade deadline acquisition. Daisuke Matsuzaka. I think the caveat is that he may come back throwing 950. What is that thing that these guys after not pitching for a year of the biggest problem with. They'll be commander guests and be in a way it's been Daisuke problem there LB command dropped their ego. So I would I would temper all of our expectations -- guys.

Yet I'll be really exciting if he could you know maybe managed to be dominant with seven while walking seven guys and -- he's throwing harder. But he's just not over the plate. So next you know so we've talked about the wrote about the other pitching staff and how it shapes up. The lineup you know I think to the biggest the biggest you know and most. -- what that what most people found to be the most curious move the offseason was the decision to trade Marcos to row to the Rockies. For a guy Clayton mortenson who really represents only you know minor league depth for them. To start the year so scooter is gone. Redick in J. D. Drew are gone Lowrie is gone they've gotten Nick Punto and Mike -- us to be their shortstop they have Cody Ross in and -- Ryan's we.

Anyway -- they -- they look weekly Morton's in new look at victim scrutiny -- you know he viewed so you saw a big bag of money at it I thought -- while the -- that is the question every design I really dive into it you know stacks of gold is scrutiny deck on the -- evidently evidently I had -- continue ops but dot yet so. How do you see the lineup shaping up do you think that there it seems to me that they're kind of according uncertainty at two positions. Although the bar isn't necessarily set that high at either position but what they have to replicated third to be as good as they were last year because right field last year for them was bad. Mostly because of their first half production. When J. D. Drew was not good Mike Cameron was really bad Darnell McDonald struggled until about July last year. Bad terrible production from that position for much of the year. And then end up kind of stabilizing at some with -- with Josh Redick into. To a lesser degree when drew came back and Mike Modano was actually much better than most people realize in the second half. But the bar isn't set that high for them to match that production in right field. It's shortstop that combination of -- and scooter row was ultimately. Okay. It it was a little bit better than league average but not phenomenally so. Object Larry I think was really hindered by his up by a shoulder injury to point -- production. In -- really drops to kind of startling degree when you look at the seasoning contacts who -- and neither of those guys was. The scooter was was great from the stability standpoint and was a reliable defender but he wasn't -- you guys know I don't know I don't know this wasn't a plus defend.

and that's the thing about the the argument with Micah Rios and now I think that. To me. And one of the things in -- about this spring training that there are things to watch there is some competition there is some. Opportunity for guys to step up and Mike -- you -- obviously is one of those guys. And and for me watching Mike reveals play shortstop will be one of the more fascinating things because as you point out markers Guerrero was a solid defender. By and bat in you're -- is not a range you guys. And he -- my Kabila's at least replicate. The range of microscope or -- salary Rondo who started. Who started probably close to as many games this -- which -- of people say well you know it's -- realists and he played third primarily well you know people are forgetting that this guy played almost hundred game it's short. His best year 2008 the question is has he gotten bigger since then ball wise has he become more accustomed to playing third and second. Haven't talked to -- came in Nick Punto who is having a better defender but obviously. Not but much of a threat offensively. And they're very quick to point out that -- short stops. They view themselves at shortstop they always have views himself as a shortstop. And they have good explanations why they do views himself short stops so now we're gonna fight so are they short stops.

We're gonna find out if they're short stops and if they can if they can perform and I think that reveal us you know -- played well last year in his limited stretch. For the most part I think that he exceeded expectations because he had been performing. Not well when he was when he was acquired. From the Royals if he had near the trade deadline. So I do think that that's you know that I think that there's a chance that they could at least replicate the productions Kudrow. There's a small chance they could be better than what's -- and -- we were but also a chance they could be worse than you know worse than. Vick -- bit men and the combination was that they had last year. So it will be really interesting to see how plays out I do think that there according some uncertainty in two different positions of their lineup that said. I think that the top of their lineup is so good -- especially one through five that it almost doesn't match.

and in the other thing is is that is that you have. Automatic outs. Or right now you wouldn't think that and and you're right I mean from one to five you. You think you know what you're gonna get which is one of the best whether people wanted me you know one of the best 12 fives in baseball. If everyone last year it was -- to be one of the best in baseball history react and so if if if that holds up then you want to worry about the rest what you have to stay away from you remember couple years ago I mean the series in Texas. Where they had Brian Anderson in and Jason Varitek who wasn't was terribly offensively and and I I can't remember who wells but you state that lasts for that line -- don't have a chance of getting ahead. What you have now is you have guys who. -- have the capability of turning in some offensive numbers. Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The shortstop situation with a view us and then you have the -- situation whether it until Crawford comes back. I think the Crawford isn't part of that one through five minutes of as a chance that he could be you know really no I know abducted about the last four guys and a and you look at Sweeney in Ross. And while neither of those guys will most likely make all star team. They have proven to be Major League hitters in their own way distinctly different hitters not only because one lefty one righty but. Major League hitters in I think that that's what you're looking for when you have that the -- potentially having the top line.

I'm the interesting thing to me is that I think it's so much of this Red Sox offseason parallels what the Yankees did last year because. There are a lot of people who have their doubts about the Yankees entering the 2011 season isn't. Of the Red Sox of LeapFrog them in terms of you know with the additions of Crawford and Gonzalez their lineup is going to be so good. And their rotation is stacked in America talking to some Red Sox up front office guys last year in spring training. They were like why are so many people writing off the Yankees and their core is so good that there's no chance that they're going to fall out of contention. I really feel that the Red Sox are probably as our our similarly structured now. The rest of the American League might be better than it was last year which is perhaps the difference between where the Yankees were a year ago but. In terms of how the Red Sox are approaching their rotation building. Where you know they're kind of going for these they're trying to discover guys for the back of the rotation as the Yankees did last year with Cologne and Garcia rather than going in with certainties. There are a lot of interesting parallels between the 2012 Red Sox in the 2011 yankees with a with a couple notable different differences such as you know if he. Tumultuous offseason from a front office and stability standpoint that died that occurred in effect that the Yankees were coming off a playoff appearance in 2010. Where's the Red Sox obviously are coming off two years not in the class but. I do think that there are a lot of parallels between those.

If we wouldn't -- to it if you wanna talk about synopsis of how people should be the Red Sox. -- people are so low what was the Red Sox are not as good -- not the best team ever like they report claimed as last year. Konerko for a exactly you'll be you know there's still one of the best teams in the American League talent wise in. And maybe even better than people think because if you wanna go through the line up for instance you can say well you know they've upgraded a lot more than they've downgraded. And baby we needed any help there the biggest thing as we know is that it's gonna come down to how does -- top three perform. I think that that's the if you -- summarize. The what why they called the best team ever last year. Because the starting rotation I think I mean correct me if I'm -- I mean you sure you have Papelbon and you had Bard knew this great line up. But the thing that said put -- on on the front page of the Boston Herald best team effort. Was because you had the perception of the number two starter pitching is number -- a potential a two or three starter pitching at number five. You at this rotation. Anchoring this whole scenario. And that's what to admit it as it turned though the 45 were terror.

Yeah I'm well beyond that I mean yeah there were times when you know when the three was it when it was difficult to find a three latest Broadway could have fight a one and that they can find a half. That's -- a fifth yeah I think that once buckles went down that's really that's really kind of you you alluded to earlier how important his offseason was. And I agree with you entirely he is the difference makers they have. Three solid starters. In in back and of course they need Beckett to be. The good Beckett not the really crummy 2010 version of Beckett as well which which -- game we can save time and time again but it for four months it was the best Beckett. Yeah last year absolutely so he was spectacular last year. He's had four spectacular months in the 2009 season and and really even in 2008 he had a run of a few great months as well. 2010 being the one season which he just tanked kind of from beginning to end in part injuries but there was under performance there as well but if they can get. Beckett Buchholz Lester to be really good you know above average pitcher above average starters that everything else falls in the place -- best team members. Have you -- I've got through it errors that are go to. So the -- vote last the last question that I'll ask you about for this podcast -- in the off season in review what's the most overlooked element of the Red Sox offseason. To your mind. The most overlooked.

And -- you'll first. I had my own ideas that's why I asked the questions. I I think that one of the great wild cards that's out there. You know we've given we've paid a lot of attention to what Bobby Valentine has been up to this offseason. The arrival of Bob McClure as the new pitching coach I think. Is really a significant significant thing because. When we talk about all of the different things that they were going on amidst the Red Sox collapse at the end of last season. So much of her balls around the pitching staff. In the idea that there wasn't leadership they kind of got them going in the right direction that John Ferrell is gone. You know Curt Young guy who's -- you know I'm working with pitchers on an individual basis wasn't kind of the same the same strike fear in their hearts type of leader. And and so Curt Young is gone and Bob McClure now had the offseason task in after being named the guy named the new pitching coach. In December late December learning the pitchers in figuring out how to work with them in order to be the right guy to lead them and keep them on track and I think that. How he performs with them is going to be huge becomes with a really good reputation from what he was able to do. Working with some specific guys in in Kansas City. Helping some guys to take real leaps forward in their careers I I think you know Joaquin Soria is is a great example but there are others as well great Holland was another one. We've really advanced in his career and made him into a significant -- and guy. But Bob McClure I think is the -- name of the offseason. Who's going to have a lot of say over how the Red Sox and up to doctor.

Putting although socialism doctor -- I like it. I think that. It toward the thing that I would identify is just the mindset. And two different ways mindset number one whether Terry Francona likes or nine. The mindset of guys being motivated because of what happened last year and and being on I think those authorities have whether whether -- untimely -- not -- blow -- you off -- off guard Terry Francona said the other -- you -- how it's it is a shame if I agree with them a 100% it's a shame that. Of this past happened -- other guys have to be jacked up about what's about proved everyone wrong now of doing things Ross and buy it. -- this is the reality was gonna happen is that. Today it. Guys are gonna beat. You watching what they do they're gonna come in with the best of intentions and not. It's just human nature and and that and I think it. The Red Sox Bobby Valentine whoever are going to be the benefactors of this -- everyone's gonna come in shape I would imagine. Everyone's gonna comment highly motivated succeed after what happened. Last year and I also think another part of the mindset wise is having a couple of these guys be here for another year. Beating themselves being here for another year and maybe that's just one of the things going radars shoulder. To shoulder ward I know -- talking about that. But all of a sudden now you -- up to spring training and start it right off the bat Carl Crawford I think knowing what to expect a little bit. Those are important guys who had to adjust to a lot of different things on the fly. They don't have as many of those quote -- important guys who don't know what they're getting into here. And so I think that that's having those guys can hit the ground running is important. That's. That's it for me and Dario they also -- no thank you Alex for joining before joining another episode episode 201 of the drug for Bradford files. And we're gonna cranks a more out as the yes spring training approaches yeah votes of -- preview spring training in the big questions that -- and you've talked about some of them but. Both against that little bit more with the next episode of prep for yes a tune in don't go anywhere studies have to it -- is going to be a bar has to be crazy.