Okay, I really hope Ben Cherington reads this, because I have the perfect formula for next year.
- Get rid of Bobby Valentine. Pure and simple, he wasn’t the right guy for the job and I think not only the players thought that, but so did some of the coaches. Read there was some miscommunication and disagreement with Bogar and Tuck.
- Bring in John Farrell. Looks like he’s not having a great time up in Toronto, so get his butt back in Boston where he knows the place, and has the respect of the players and coaches.
- Tie up Papi with a nice multiyear contract. Don’t be stupid, just do it. He’s an icon, and he belongs there.
- Keep Ross. Cody Ross was a really good addition to the lineup, the clubhouse, and the fanbase. He’s enthusiastic, and not afraid to show it.
- I am afraid to say it, and will probably get shot, but ditch Ellsbury. He’s always hurt, seems to whine a lot, and is not a team player. Ciriaco can fill in nicely out there, and his bat is better anyway.
- Do some bargain shopping, ditch the big splash contracts, look how well that worked out.
- Put a leash on Lackey, but direct his energy into being the go to guy for the bullpen. Buchholz and Lester are lost, and I think had been poisoned by Beckett. Give them a leader to get behind and learn from. God, as much as I hate Lackey, I really hope he can come out of his funk and pitch.
- Solidify your infield. Ditch Loney and pick up a solid first baseman, or even better, get Podsednik to sit there. Solid player, good attitude, decent bat. I would say try to get Youk back, but he’s another one that is always hurt. Iglesias is going to be a solid player too, he just needs some experience. Aviles is a good guy to be the backup if you don’t use Ciriaco in the outfield.
- Make Tek a part of the team – pitching coach, bench coach, something. He’s going to make an excellent manager someday.
- Bring me in for consultation at various points during the year. I know I can help
