Mismatched Sox

The Sox were finally able to field a complete team with the trade for Coco Crisp and the recent signing of Alex Gonzalez. Gonzalez tore it up for the Venezuelan team in the Caribbean Series. I hope that its a sign he will return to his form of two and three years ago. I'd like to see 15 to 20 homers out of him batting in the 9th spot this year.

I'm happy with the Crisp trade. Initially I had reservations about trading away Ande Marte. Then I stepped back and took a broader view of the offseason. We essentially dumped Edgar the Terrible on the Braves and got Crisp and David Riske from the Indians. I like that deal a lot. I personally think that Crisp will have a better year than Johnny Damon this year and every year going forward. The Yanks will regret signing Damon for four years when they realize he is a Bernie Williams clone this year - slowing bat and rapidly declining defensive skills.

So far Damon has been a nuisance through the media this offseason. Everything is a production with him. He has to get a shave and a haircut. He thinks Manny and Ortiz would be great on the Yankees. (If he really thinks the NY media is more relaxed than Boston and that Manny would be unrecognized in NYC, he's well on his way to earning a nice padded room with a comfy white jacket with arm straps.) He's meeting with Georgie Porgie.

Damon did do a very classy thing today. He took out a full-page ad to thank the fans and the city of Boston. I have to admit that I didn't expect it. I think it could have been done a few weeks ago, but it is a very nice gesture.

I wish Damon well as a person, but I hope he hits .190 with the Yanks. No offense, Johnny (pun-intended).