RED SOX ALL-TIME GREATS TEAM

The newly formed MLB Network was recently showing Red Sox: All-Time Greats, a show about the three best players at each position to ever play for the Sox. Here is my team roster for the ultimate Red Sox team, complete with a starting nine, a bench, a five man rotation, and a bullpen.

The Starting Lineup
1. Bobby Doerr- 2B
2. Wade Boggs- 3B
3. Jimmie Foxx- 1B
4. Ted Williams- LF
5. Fred Lynn- CF
6. Carlton Fisk- C
7. Dwight Evans- RF
8. Johnny Pesky- SS
9. Pitcher's spot

The Bench
Nomar Garciaparra- SS/IF, Tris Speaker-CF, Carl Yastrzemski-LF, Jason Varitek-C, Joe Cronin-IF

The Starting Rotation
1. Cy Young
2. Pedro Martinez
3. "Smokey" Joe Wood
4. Roger Clemens
5. Bruce Hurst

The Bullpen
Bill "Spaceman" Lee (Long Relief), Luis Tiant (Long Relief), Dennis Eckersley (Middle Relief), Ellis Kinder (Middle Relief), Bob Stanley (Set Up), Dick Radatz (Set Up), Jonathan Papelbon (Closer)

There it is. The Red Sox ultimate 25-man roster, complete with starting nine, rotation, bench, and bullpen. Any disagreements? Let us know.

TIME TO TRADE BUCHHOLZ?

This offseason has been insane. Starting with the Phillies/Rays matchup that nobody saw coming, baseball has been on a roller coaster ride for the past three plus months. Twists and turns have swept up all 30 teams, and we have seen some ridiculous changes.

With the Yankees sweeping up all the top free agents, apparently trying to form some sort of fantasy baseball team, the Red Sox have struggled to counter. CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Mark Teixeira are all huge additions in the Big Apple, and in the view of many an "expert", have propelled the Yankees ahead of the Sox and Rays as the favorites to win the AL East this season. But in the words of Lee Corso, not so fast my friends! The Red Sox keep adding players, and will have a very formidable rotation come the regular season. But there is one more thing Boston should do to keep pace with New York: trade Clay Buchholz.

Having signed John Smoltz and Brady Penny, there is no room for Buchholz in the rotation this year. The club already is having issues finding a spot for young gun Justin Masterson, and Buchholz's shaky mechanics have no use in the bullpen. Should injuries occur, as they always seem to, Michael Bowden is ready to step up and take the hill for the big club.

Furthermore, Buchholz could be a centerpiece in a deal for a catcher or big bat for the lineup. Since the Sox missed out on Mark Teixeira, they are still looking for a big bat to replace the loss of Manny Ramirez, and Buchholz could be a big part of finding that missing piece. If Boston can use their young pitcher to land a catcher, like Texas' Jarrod Saltalamacchia, that would help immensely as well, for a roster that has only Josh Bard behind the plate.

A lineup of Ellsbury (CF), Pedroia (2B), Ortiz (DH), Lowell (3B), Youkilis (1B), Drew (RF), Bay (LF), Saltalamacchia (C), and Lowery (SS) would be quite formidable. With a rotation of Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, Penny, and Smoltz, the Sox would be one of the top teams in the AL this season.

All we know now though, is that this roller coaster will have gut-wrenching action right up until the end.

3 GREAT SPORTS MEMORIES FROM 2008

With under a week left in the year 2008, now seems like the perfect time to recap one of the greatest years in Boston sports history. 2008 was chock full of great games, fantastic finishes, and entertainment abound from the Pats, Bruins, Sox, and Celts. So, for our 100th post, let's take a quick look back at 2008 with three great memories from the year in sports.

3. BRUINS 5 CANADIENS 4: GAME 6 (April 19, 2008)
The Bruins struggled mightily at times to score goals in 2008. So, with their season on the line in game 6 against Montreal, all seemed lost. The eighth seeded Bruins, who weren't given much of a shot to beat their long time rivals, trailed the game 1-0 after one period of play. Phil Kessel tied the game under two minutes into the second frame, but Montreal converted again and led 2-1 after two. The third period of game six was one of the most spectacular periods ever. Boston rookie Vladimir Sobotka tied the game at two, but then Francis Bouillion gave the Habs a 3-2 lead with 9:56 to go. Everybody was shocked when the lightly regarded B's came back for the third time, when Milan Lucic potted a wrister two minutes later to knot the score at three. Phil Kessel gave Boston a brief lead in the final five minutes, but Christopher Higgins scored for Montreal just 11 seconds later. Finally, with just 2:37 left on the clock, David Krejci found Marco Sturm for the game winner; Bruins 5, Canadiens 4. This game makes the cut because the Bruins offense was so weak all year, and they had lost eight straight to Montreal entering the series. Nobody expected this team to come back from one goal deficits three different times against a team nobody thought they could compete with. Outstanding game.

2. RED SOX 8 RAYS 7: ALCS GAME 5 (October 16, 2008)
The Sox looked finished against the upstart Rays in game 5 of the American League Championship Series back in mid-October. After BJ Upton doubled in two runs in the top of the seventh, the Rays led 7-0 in the game, and 3-1 in the series. Boston, baseball's best home team in the regular season, had been shelled at Fenway by Tampa Bay in the ALCS, and at this point, had been outscored 29-5 in two and a half games there in the series. But, when all seemed lost, the Sox dug in. AL MVP Dustin Pedroia had an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to make it 7-1. The next batter was David Ortiz, who crushed a Grant Balfour offering over Pesky's Pole in right, 7-4. In the eighth, JD Drew rocked a Dan Wheeler heater over the bullpen with Jason Bay on base, pulling Boston to within one at 7-6. With two men out, Mark Kotsay hit a wall ball double to left center, and then Coco Crisp singled to right to tie the game at seven. Justin Masterson got out of a jam in the top of the ninth, and then Drew hit a screamer just over the glove of Gabe Gross to score Kevin Youkilis and win the game for the Red Sox, 8-7. Trailing by seven runs with seven outs left, Boston stunned Tampa Bay with the greatest comeback since 1929.

1. CELTICS 131 LAKERS 92: NBA FINALS GAME 6 (June 17, 2008)
Was there any doubt what number one would be? Heading into the NBA Finals last June, nine of the 10 "experts" on ESPN.com said the Lakers would hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy. Oops. After a huge comeback by Boston at Staples Center in game four, the Lakers narrowly held on for a five point win in game five, sending the series back to Boston with the Celtics leading 3-2. But in this one, LA had no shot. Ray Allen finally found his stroke, and second year point guard Rajon Rondo played the game of his life, with 21 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and six steals in 32 minutes for Boston. The 131-92 drubbing by the Celtics clinched the club's record 17th title and first in 22 years, and capped off the biggest one season turnaround in NBA history. Allen, KG, and NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce finally captured that elusive first ring, and the Green "Beat LA" once again. Just remember, "anything is possible!"

Hopefully, 2009 will bring some great memories as well. But I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Q AND A WITH SEAN McADAM OF THE BOSTON HERALD

Sean McAdam is the Red Sox beat writer for the Boston Herald and an occasional contributor to ESPN.com. He agreed to answer a few questions for us (via email) about the Sox and the club's current and future plans.

Saturday Morning Sports: Do you think we will see Mark Teixeira in a Red Sox uniform in 2009?
Sean McAdam: Not now I don't. It sure looked that way for a few hours Thursday night, and I suppose nothing should surprise us, but it seems obvious that the Sox have made their last, best offer and it apparently falls way short of what's being offered elsewhere.

Editor's Note: While earlier tonight it appeared the Sox were on the verge of signing Teixeira, those talks are apparently over. Team owner John Henry said in an email to the Associated Press that Boston has been outbid for the first baseman, and "will not be a factor" in signing him.

SMS: If Jason Varitek does re-sign with Boston, do you think he will be the every day catcher again this year?
SMA: I do think Varitek will re-sign for a one-year deal and while "everyday'' might be a stretch, I see him catching the majority of games, probably around 100 or so.

SMS: Do you think the Sox will add a starting pitcher to take the fifth spot in the rotation?
SMA: I think it's likely that the Sox will sign a veteran on the (relative) cheap -- someone like John Smoltz, or somewhat less likely, Brad Penny. Neither will be ready to start the season, but could provide the same kind of veteran depth that Bartolo Colon provided last year.

SMS: Are you surprised by the Yankees seemingly trying to buy every major free agent?
SMA: Not at all. First, you know that missing the playoffs after a 13-year run wasn't going to sit well with the Steinbrenners. Also, the Yanks are moving into a new ballpark which only enhances their economic advantages.

SMS: Where does Clay Buchholz stand with the Red Sox? Do you think he'll start the year in Boston or back in the minors?
SMA: Much will depend on how Buccholz fares in spring training. He ended the year on a postive note and the Sox believe he's ready to make an impact. But if he struggles -- especially with mechanical issues -- it wouldn't surprise me to see him begin in Pawtucket.

SMS: With the emergence of Jed Lowrie last season, will the Red Sox try to unload Julio Lugo (and his big contract)?
SMA: Lugo will be given a chance to win back his job in spring training, but ultimately, I think Lowrie will be the shortstop. There aren't any takers for Lugo this winter, so the Sox can either have him fill the utility role or hope that some team discovers it needs to trade for a shortstop in the spring.

SMS: Do you think the Rays were a one year cinderella story? Are they going to be as good this season?
SMA: I think the Rays are for real. They've developed a lot of great young talent and will be a factor in the division. I do, however, worry how they're going to retain those players when they get to arbitration and closer to free agency. I do think the set-up relief could be an issue, too, since it's unlikely that Balfour and Howell, two journeymen, will duplicate their performances again.

SMS: What's your opinion of the new logo and uniform(s)? What were the players thoughts on them?
SMA: I'm not crazy about the new road uniforms; I liked the red lettering and the names on the back. Also don't like the new "hanging sox' hat, but it's all about merchandise sales, I suppose. Everyone's doing it. Sorry, but haven't had much access to players in the last week to gauge their thoughts on the new unis.

RED SOX UNIFORM CHANGES: JUST STOP IT ALREADY

The Boston Red Sox ownership group, comprised of John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino, are known as guys who get things done. In their brief reign over Boston's baseball team, we have seen two World Series Championships, as well as soaring popularity throughout the nation (and plenty of hatred, too). But there is one aspect of Henry, Werner, and Lucchino's time as owners that is most telling: Their need to squeeze the fans out of every last dime.

There are the constant additions to Fenway Park, adding seats in every possible direction, the embarrassing Red Sox Nation Membership Cards, and now a logo and uniform change that is set to be unveiled on Thursday. The Sox have had the same basic uniform design (and logo for that matter) for quite a long time, and it seems like the only reason to change that now is to sell more hats and jerseys. All of it seems so unnecessary.

Hopefully the changes will be minor, and they won't completely butcher the whole thing. Either way, you can bet these new unis will be up for sale on redsox.com very soon.

RED SOX SET TO SIGN TAZAWA

Junichi Tazawa, a 22-year-old pitcher from Yokohama, Japan, is set to sign with the Boston Red Sox. Tazawa was being scouted by the Rangers, Mariners, Braves, and Tigers, among others, but ultimately chose to join countrymen Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima in Boston.

The right-hander played last season with the Nippon Oil of the Japanese Industrial League, a league specifically for amateur players. He told Japanese professional teams not to draft him so he could pursue a deal with a team in Major League Baseball. In his final start for Nippon on November 21, Tazawa threw a complete game shutout.

The Red Sox reportedly offered Tazawa slightly less money than the Rangers, but the righty wanted the chance to play on a team with one of his idols, Matsuzaka. Reports say that the Red Sox offer was for $6 million over three seasons.

This looks like a nice signing for Boston. While they have a deep rotation as is, with Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, and Wakefield, more pitchers are always needed. And since Tazawa hasn't really pitched professionally before, it is looking like he will start the year in the minors. There is always a chance the Sox could use him as a reliever as well.

While this isn't the big splash that many have been expecting from the Red Sox, it is certainly a very nice signing that should help the team's chances in 2009. They are expected to announce the signing as early as December 1.

GOODBYE COCO: CRISP DEALT TO KC

One day after Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia was announced as the American League's Most Valuable Player, the team dealt outfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for reliever Ramon Ramirez.

Many expected the Sox to trade Crisp before last season, but holding on to the veteran center fielder turned out to be a prudent move. Jacoby Ellsbury struggled mightily at times last season, and Crisp ended up starting 98 games for Boston.

At times, Crisp looked like a superstar for the Sox, hitting extraordinarily well for brief stretches. Between those times, however, Crisp had monumental struggles at the plate. He was one of the Red Sox streakiest hitters, but was consistently great out in center field. Who can forget his ridiculous catch to rob the Mets David Wright of extra bases during a game in 2006? He made another tremendous catch to end the 2007 ALCS, running full speed into the bullpen wall in the triangle to help preserve a (large) Boston lead and move the Red Sox into the World Series.

Crisp was 20 for 27 in steals last season, his third straight season with at least 20 swipes. Coco ended up with a .283 average in 2008, with seven home runs and 41 RBI. It was smart to move his more than $5 million salary, with other holes emerging that need to be filled.

Coco Crisp is now a Royal. And we hope that when Kansas City visits Fenway Park for a four game set from July 9-12, the Sox faithful will stand and cheer for him, remembering the outstanding defense he played here for those three years.

PEDROIA WINS AL MVP

The writers got this one right. Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia won the American League Most Valuable Player Award today, receiving 16 of a possible 28 first-place votes. Twins first baseman Justin Morneau finished second.

Pedroia carried the Sox offensively for much of the season, and his defense was a tremendous asset as well. The scrappy second baseman led the American League in runs (118) and multi-hit games (61). He also tied Ichiro Suzuki for the Major League lead in hits with 213. Additionally, Pedroia finished only four points back of Joe Mauer's .330 average (Pedey hit .326) for the AL Batting Title, and came in fourth in total bases (322) and seventh in extra base hits (73).

He made only six errors in 733 total chances, good for a fielding percentage of .992, which was second only to A's second baseman Mark Ellis (.993), who had 165 fewer chances.

Pedroia hit 17 homers and drove in 83 runs, and stole 20 of a possible 21 bases. Without his incredible play, the Red Sox would not have been only one win from another trip to the Fall Classic.

Pedroia is the first Red Sox player to win the MVP since first baseman Mo Vaughn in 1995, and he may have a hard time finding room for all the new hardware he'll be receiving. Pedroia can add the AL 2B Silver Slugger award, the AL 2B Gold Glove award, and now the MVP to last years Rookie of the Year trophy on his mantle.

Red Sox teammate Kevin Youkilis finished third in the voting. Pedroia became the tenth MVP in the history of the club, following Jimmy Foxx (1938), Ted Williams (1946, 1949), Jackie Jensen (1958), Carl Yastrzemski (1967), Fred Lynn (1975), Jim Rice (1978), Roger Clemens (1986) and Vaughn (1995).

BOSTON: SPORTS CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES

Loserville. That was the nickname graciously given to Boston by sports fans across the country because of the Red Sox continued futility, the Celtics fall from grace, and the Patriots constant mediocrity. Since the start of the new millennium however, Boston teams have been able to shed that horrid title and create a new image for the local teams: Champions.

Since 2000, the Patriots have won three Super Bowls, beating the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, the Panthers in XXXVIII, and the Eagles in XXXIX. The long suffering Red Sox are now a semi-dynasty, reaching the playoffs in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008, and winning two World Series in that span. And while the turn of the century didn't change the Celtics fortunes, the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen made the Green NBA Champions once again.

Now of course, we have all four major sports teams in the hunt for post season berths. The Red Sox made the playoffs again this year, and were just one game short of reaching the Fall Classic for the second consecutive year. The Patriots are 6-3 and tied for first place in the AFC East despite the losses of Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Adalius Thomas, and Rodney Harrison for the season. The Celtics are 8-1 and leading the Atlantic division again in 2008. Paul Pierce's fallaway at the buzzer lifted the C's to a 103-102 win over previously undefeated Atlanta last night at the Garden. And finally, the black sheep of the group, the Bruins are finally playing up to their potential and at 9-3-3, are tied with Buffalo for first in the Northeast division with 21 points.

Yes it is a great time to be a fan of Boston sports. Will it last? Of course not. Never does. So enjoy it while it lasts. Soon enough we may see that old moniker put to good use once again.

GOLD GLOVE WINNERS ANNOUNCED: PEDROIA WINS FOR AL 2B

The 2008 Rawlings Gold Glove winners have been announced, and Dustin Pedroia is the only Red Sox player to take one this season. Hopefully, this won't be the only award given to the Sox second baseman this off-season. Here is the complete list of winners:

NATIONAL LEAGUE
P- Greg Maddux (Padres/Dodgers)
C- Yadier Molina (Cardinals)
1B- Adrian Gonzalez (Padres)
2B- Brandon Phillips (Reds)
SS- Jimmy Rollins (Phillies)
3B- David Wright (Mets)
OF- Nate McLouth (Pirates)
OF- Carlos Beltran (Mets)
OF- Shane Victorino (Phillies)

AMERICAN LEAGUE
P-Mike Mussina (Yankees)
C- Joe Mauer (Twins)
1B- Carlos Pena (Rays)
2B- Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox)
SS- Michael Young (Rangers)
3B- Adrian Beltre (Mariners)
OF- Torii Hunter (Angels)
OF- Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)
OF- Grady Sizemore (Indians)

I can't believe Jacoby Ellsbury didn't win a Gold Glove this year. He had great range all season, made some spectacular plays with the leather, and didn't make a single error all season. What else does he need to do to win a Gold Glove? At least Jeter didn't win it...

DID THAT REALLY HAPPEN LAST NIGHT?

Or was I dreaming?

Last night's Red Sox-Rays game, despite being a relatively "average" f0ur hours (how ridiculous is that?), felt like it covered about four weeks. Drinking will do that to you.

But the real shock of the whole thing was that for seven innings I had come to grips with the fact that the Red Sox season was over, only to have them yet again pull out the most improbable of victories - pretty amazing for a team that has been known for legendary wins in the recent past. And when are you EVER going to see a more emotional picture of J. D. Drew? I love that boring son of a bitch.

That's the wonderful thing about baseball - and all of sports. As cliche as it is you really can't say it's over until the very last pitch is thrown or the clock strikes 0:00. Bob Ryan said it best in his column this morning: "The season ain't over 'til it's over, and the Red Sox are still the champs until somebody beats them four times."

MADDON SHUFFLES ROTATION FOR GAMES 5 AND 6

It was announced today that Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon decided to swap his scheduled starting pitchers for games 5 and 6 of the American League Championship series - going with Scott Kazmir in game 5 and moving James Shields back to game 6 (if necessary).

The logic behind the move is that Shields is "very good" at home. Revealed later was that the switch also prevents Kazmir from pitching with umpire Daryl Cousins behind the plate. Kazmir and Cousins exchanged angry quotes about one another following a game on June 11, when Kazmir was extremely dissatisfied with the strike zone Cousins was calling.

To me, this move is very puzzling. Kazmir has been terrible so far in the playoffs (and at the end of the regular season). Here are his two playoff starts:

10/3 (CWS, W) 5.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 K, 2 BB, 98 pitches
10/11 (BOS, ND) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 3 HR, 2 K, 3 BB, 98 pitches, (1-13 ground ball to fly ball ratio!)

In his past two starts against the Red Sox, Kazmir has allowed 14 earned runs and seven home runs. Clearly, he is the weak link on what has been a dominating Rays staff. So why move him up a game when you have a chance to end the series? Even if Maddon thinks that moving Shields back home to face Beckett all but ensures a game six victory, why even throw the Red Sox a bone when they are desperately grasping for one? The Sox are in need of any glimmer of hope or momentum they can get at this point, so why give it to them?

Maddon is right about one thing: Shields' home numbers are significantly better than his road stats. But the Rays are about as hot as a team can possibly be at this point, why shake things up?

Of course, this will all be moot unless Dice-K gives us another spectacular performance in game 5.

IS ANOTHER COMEBACK IN THE CARDS?

The Tampa Bay Rays routed the Red Sox 13-4 last night in game four to take a commanding three games to one lead in their best-of-seven American League Championship Series. Red Sox fans all remember that in years past, the Sox have been able to make magic happen with their backs up against the wall. In 2004, Boston stormed back from down 3-0 to win four straight against the rival New York Yankees. And then in '07, they won three straight after falling behind 3-1 to defeat Cleveland and advance to the World Series.

If the Red Sox are going to claw back into the '08 ALCS, it is going to take an incredible effort. They are going to have to improve in nearly every area. The team's hitting has been anemic since returning to Boston with the series even at a game apiece. Tampa has outscored Boston 22-5 in the two games at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox were 56-25 in the regular season. Home hasn't been so sweet in the post season, however, where the Sox are just 1-3 (they are 3-1 on the road). They scratched across two runs in game one of the series, a shutout victory, then pounded out 8 runs in game two. Since then, the Sox haven't been able to do a thing with Rays pitching.

Pitching is another problem Boston is facing. Josh Beckett has had a dismal post season, and the seemingly invincible Jon Lester was pounded by Tampa in game three. Wakefield was tattooed in game four, further taxing an already overworked bullpen.

Daisuke Matsuzaka will face Scott Kazmir in game five on Thursday night. If the Sox are going to have any chance at repeating history and making a comeback for the ages, they will have to improve in every phase of the game.

IS FRANCONA THE BEST RED SOX MANAGER EVER?

Terry Francona has been the manager of the Red Sox since 2004. He took over for Grady Little after Little's crucial error cost the team their first trip to the World Series since 1986 and a shot at their first title since 1918. In his brief stint at the helm, Francona has already "reversed the curse", winning it all in 2004, and again in 2007. The Red Sox are taking on Tampa Bay in the American League Championship Series as I write this, and Francona has a shot at three World Series titles in six seasons. So is he the best manager the Boston Red Sox organization has ever had?

Francona has gone 470 and 340 in the regular season in his time in Boston, good for a winning percentage of .580. The team's best season was his first, 2004, when they went 98-64. His winning percentage trails only Jack Barry (.592), Joe McCarthy (.606), Steve O'Neill (.602), Eddie Popowski (.600), and Jake Stahl (.621) in team history, and Francona has been with the Sox for longer than those five.

The only way to truly find the best manager the team has ever had is to look at success in the post season. After all, if you are great in the regular season and then lose in the playoffs, the season means nothing, just ask the Chicago Cubs. Francona is 24-9 in playoff games, including a perfect 8-0 in the the Fall Classic. He did what past Sox managers like Joe Cronin (1935-47), Dick Williams (1967-69), and John McNamara (1985-88) couldn't, win a World Series championship. Francona has done that twice.

While it is true it was much harder to make the playoffs prior to the invention of the wild card in 1995 (The Red Sox have won the AL Wild Card 3 times in Francona's 5 seasons), it is also true that there is much more scrutiny on managers nowadays, with Sports Center playing round the clock and the internet allowing anybody to voice their opinions. There is a lot more balance in baseball today as well, where a team like the Rays, who had never finished higher than fourth in the American League East, could go from worst to first and win the division in any given year.

The bottom line is this: If I needed one Red Sox manager to help me win a pivotal post season series, there is no one I would rather have than Terry Francona.