Shortly after trade, Sox install Hanrahan as closer

Club envisions Bailey working as primary setup option from bullpen

There will be no closer competition. Andrew Bailey, Boston's presumed ninth-inning man for 2013, has been moved to a setup role in favor of the centerpiece of Wednesday's six-player trade with Pittsburgh, right-hander Joel Hanrahan. The trade, which was near completion before Christmas, sent right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan De Jesus and first baseman Jerry Sands to the Pirates in exchange for Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt. Manager John Farrell has already spoken to Bailey and Hanrahan. At the start of the month, Bailey said he was approaching the season as though he would close. "It was a great conversation, obviously," Hanrahan said. "He told me they're excited to have me there. ... I'm excited for the opportunity. I wasn't sure what the role was going to be, because there are obviously guys who have closed there before, with great success." Hanrahan, 31, had a 2.72 ERA in 2012 and a 1.83 ERA the year before -- both times earning All-Star selections -- and he has 76 saves since 2011. His lifetime average of 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings is a positive, too, but his walk rate from last season could be a red flag: that rose, from 2.1 to 5.4 per nine. The Red Sox said they vetted that matter and that adding a pitcher of Hanrahan's caliber is a rare opportunity. "His stuff, as I'm sure you've seen, is right at the top of the scale. He's got a fastball in the upper 90s, and when he's right, his slider is as good as anybody's in baseball," assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran said. "I spoke with John earlier, and he has spoken with both Bailey and Hanrahan, so I don't mind sharing with you that John plans to go into the spring with Hanrahan as the closer. He talked to Andrew." Bailey, 28, missed most of 2012, his first year with the Red Sox, after sustaining a freak injury to his right thumb during Spring Training. He finished with 19 appearances, six saves in nine chances and a 7.04 ERA, and he'll likely get closing opportunities if Hanrahan has pitched on too many consecutive days. "We see Andrew as playing a very important role in the back end of our bullpen as well," O'Halloran said. "There will be plenty of opportunities for him to help us win games in key situations late in the game, and we know he's very capable both of closing and pitching in other high-leverage situations at the ends of games. It's not too often you get a chance to add a two-time All-Star closer to the mix." Bailey will, in essence, serve as a backup closer, a role the Red Sox envisioned for Melancon last season. That didn't go as planned. When Bailey got hurt, Melancon was ineffective, and the Red Sox had to put swing reliever Alfredo Aceves in the role. A closer himself before joining the Red Sox last season, Melancon finished his only year in Boston with a 6.20 ERA, although he let up just one run in September. He told MLB.com from Hawaii on Wednesday that his time with the Red Sox was transformative. "Obviously, I got off to a rough start," Melancon said. "So, you know, I don't think they treated me unfairly. It's hard for me, because I feel like I didn't produce as well as I should have, and so there's nobody to blame but myself. Obviously, baseball is a game that's built on failure, so you have to understand that, too. It's exciting for me, because I had a great last half of the season last year, and that's kind of who I am and who I anticipate being. "I learned how to combat [being outside the closer's role], and it took me a little while, understandably, but it made me a better pitcher and a better person. In my mind, there wasn't a [lot of] bad, other than I let down some of the team. Which is never fun. But I think, as a whole, I got a lot better." For Pittsburgh, the trade could partly have been motivated by the roughly $7 million Hanrahan is set to earn in 2013, his last year before free agency, and Hanrahan was aware that he was likely on the block. He's never been to Fenway Park and only once been to Boston, even though his wife's family comes from Massachusetts (Brockton and Avon). "I've only seen Fenway on movies," Hanrahan said. "I've never actually been there. I've been to Boston one time for a wedding. That was kind of a quick little trip, in and out of there. I don't know a whole lot about the city or the stadium. I've seen it on TV, but I've never been there." Just in the number of controllable players, Pirates GM Neal Huntington got a sizable return, but the Sox needed space. Of the four players the Red Sox sent, De Jesus is the only who was not on the 40-man roster. "Any time you're making a trade or any transaction, you're keeping in mind where your roster sits," O'Halloran said, "but I wouldn't say that that was a big factor in making the trade." The Red Sox took notice of Hanrahan during an Interleague series in June 2011, when he nailed down consecutive saves while allowing just one hit between the two days. O'Halloran said that the team is comfortable Hanrahan's walk rate will drop in 2013, and Hanrahan said that he's healthy after dealing with ankle and hamstring issues last season. "Obviously, we looked at that very closely," O'Halloran said of the walks. "We do think there are some reasons that we saw the uptick in walks. We're going to talk to Joel, and John's already started that process, and [pitching coach] Juan Nieves and [bullpen coach] Gary Tuck and John will get together with Joel and throw out anything that they see and help him with that. It's not something we're concerned about long-term." Holt, 24 and a ninth-round Draft pick out of Rice University in 2009, made his Major League debut last season in 24 September games at second base. He held his own with a .292/.329/.354 line after he spent the majority of 2012 with Double-A Altoona. There he led the Eastern League with a .322 average and was the fifth-hardest player to strike out. "He's a very hard-nosed player," O'Halloran said. "We're excited to have him and the energy that he brings to the table. He's got a line-drive stroke, and we think he'll be a good addition to our middle-infield core." Pimentel, who will be 23 next season, had been in the Red Sox organization since he signed as a non-drafted free agent in July 2006. He started strong in the Minors and found himself on plenty of top-prospect lists, but he hasn't gotten over the hump in Double-A. Sands' and DeJesus' time in the organization was short. Both 25-year-olds came over as part of the blockbuster trade with the Dodgers last summer. Sands had strong numbers at Triple-A last season, hitting .296 with 26 home runs, 107 RBIs and a .900 OPS. De Jesus played in just eight Major League games with the Red Sox, but hit .304 between Los Angeles' and Boston's Triple-A affiliates. Only two of the five players the Red Sox acquired in that mega-deal remain their property: pitchers Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa

Red Sox, Bucs reportedly close to deal for Hanrahan

 

The Red Sox may be close to adding another late-inning reliever. Boston and Pittsburgh are nearing a trade that would send Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan to the Sox, ESPNBoston.com reported on Saturday. Andrew Bailey is the Red Sox's presumptive closer, although the acquisition of Hanrahan, 31, could serve to create competition, if not insurance. CBS Sports reported that Sox shortstop Jose Iglesias, who's ticketed for Triple-A once Stephen Drew's contract is finalized, is not a part of the expected multi-player package. Hanrahan had a 2.72 ERA in 2012 and a 1.83 ERA the year before -- both times earning All-Star selections -- and has tallied 76 saves since 2011. He has averaged 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings for his career. A right-hander from Iowa, Hanrahan has spent all of his six Major League seasons in the National League, between the Nationals and Pirates. Bailey said at the start of December that he was approaching Spring Training as though the closing job were his. "I think I have to," Bailey said. "Right now, I'd think I'm the only guy in that role. I feel, like I said, they traded for me for a reason. Last year was very frustrating on a lot of accounts and even when I was healthy, I didn't do my job to my fullest expectations or the organization's expectations. I'm taking that into my offseason workout, and knowing that I got to hammer down games for this organization and this team, and we got to get to the playoffs."

Red Sox, shortstop Drew agree to one-year deal

Prospect Iglesias likely to remain at Triple-A for another year of seasoning

BOSTON -- The Red Sox agreed to a one-year deal with shortstop Stephen Drew worth $9.5 million on Monday, a Major League source confirmed to MLB.com. The Red Sox have not confirmed the deal. The agreement with Drew means Jose Iglesias won't be the Boston's starting shortstop in 2013, barring injury, and that Iglesias' status as the club's shortstop of the future is questionable. Drew, who turns 30 in March, split last season between the D-backs and the A's as he fought through right ankle problems stemming from a nasty break of the ankle in 2011. He hit just .193 with two home runs in 40 games and 155 plate appearances for Arizona, but did better once he was dealt to the upstart A's: he had five home runs and a .250/.326/.382 line with Oakland. Drew had a mutual option for $10 million that both he and the A's declined in favor of a $1.35 million buyout. With Drew in the fold, Iglesias is presumably pushed to another year at Triple-A Pawtucket to keep growing. Possessing an incredible glove, Iglesias turns just 23 in January, but hit just .118 in 77 Major League plate appearances last season. He has never hit well at Triple-A for an extended time either. If Iglesias returns to Pawtucket, he'll have power-hitting 20-year-old Xander Bogaerts right on his heels. Bogaerts finished the 2012 season at Double-A Portland, and did just as well there as he had at Class A Salem. Bogaerts, MLB.com's No. 1 Red Sox prospect, had a .307/.373/.523 line between both levels, and figures to start again at Portland in 2013. According to FanGraphs.com, Drew was a plus-defensive shortstop by Ultimate Zone Rating from 2009-11, but was not in 2012. Entering his eighth Major League season, Drew hasn't spent any time in the AL outside of the stint with Oakland. The D-backs drafted him as the 15th overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, and he's a lifetime .265/.326/.482 hitter. Drew reached double-digit homers from 2007-10, but hasn't been able to get enough plate appearances the last two seasons. Overall, Drew's signing fits the Red Sox's M.O.: a short-term deal on a guy with rebound potential. CBSSports.com first reported the deal. Last season was the first since 2006 that Boston didn't have a Drew on board, after Stephen's brother J.D. quietly went off into retirement following the 2011 season

Red Sox, Napoli working to resolve holdup

BOSTON -- Shane Victorino put on his Red Sox jersey Thursday at Fenway Park. There was no word as to when another free agent, first baseman Mike Napoli, might be able to do the same. Napoli and the Red Sox agreed to terms a day before the Sox did with Victorino, but there's been at least one snag in closing the deal. General manager Ben Cherington acknowledged the situation Thursday, but he did not detail the specific holdup. "It's just a situation where we're working through some things in regards to another player," Cherington said. "And until, as has been our policy, until every sort of aspect of the agreement's resolved, we're not in a position to comment on it publicly." Like Victorino, Napoli agreed to three years and $39 million. But deals aren't finalized once a dollar figure is settled on. Napoli's physical could have revealed a condition that the team feels is risky enough to require contract language addressing it. In that scenario, the specifics of the language -- or from Napoli's perspective, the belief that there need be any language at all -- could be an obstacle. Cherington acknowledged a physical was part of the endgame, but nonetheless withheld a pinpoint explanation. "I don't want to comment specifically," Cherington said. "Every time we sign a free agent, any sort of guaranteed deal, there's a number of things you have to come to agreement on and get resolved. Some of it's contract language and some of it's terms and money, and etc. And then there's a physical. Until all these things are done and there's all of them agreed upon, [I] just can't comment on it." Outside of 140 games played in 2010, Napoli has never reached 115 games played in seven seasons. Part of that was a playing time matter in his time with the Angels from 2006-10, but part of that also stemmed from ailments like a left quad strain. That sent him to the disabled list each of the past two seasons with the Rangers. The Sox are still hopeful they'll reach a resolution. Cherington said twice on Thursday there is no timetable, and he didn't give an indication when asked if it looks more like a matter of days or weeks. "All I can say, we continue to talk and there's that consistent dialogue, and we'll continue to do that," Cherington said. "[We'll] work to resolve the issues that are outstanding." Cherington said broadly he still looks to improve the team while the Napoli matter is sorted, but stopped short of saying he's diving back into the first-base market. Napoli's provides a bat the Sox need at first base, with a combined 54 home runs the past two regular seasons and a career .306 average at Fenway Park in the regular season. "We're still certainly looking to improve the team, and we're still working hard on a number of fronts to be able to do that," Cherington said. "Until something's done, we got to continue to work to improve the team, in different ways, different parts of the roster."

Red Sox agree to two-year deal with Dempster

 

BOSTON -- The Red Sox and Ryan Dempster reached agreement on Thursday on a two-year deal, according to a source. The deal is worth $26.5 million, according to multiple reports. The club has not confirmed the move. Dempster, a 35-year-old righty, has spent all of his 15-season career in the National League aside from 12 starts with the Rangers to end last season. Dempster threw 173 innings last season between Texas and the Cubs, and in the four previous seasons, he reached 200 innings. The Sox have notably lacked durable arms. "We struggled in that area for different reasons," general manager Ben Cherington said of 2012. "One of the things we've been lacking has just been the reliability and someone who can be a reliable, durable part of the rotation. So that is something we've focused on this offseason. We haven't executed anything yet, but hopefully we can find somebody to do that. I think we feel like need to go into 2013 with more starting pitching depth than we have right now. There are different ways to do that." The Red Sox might feel this is the time to push for pitching, with moves expected to come faster ahead of Christmas and the new year, when things will slow down, if just briefly. "There's this period between now and 12 days from now, stuff tends to get done this time a year, then maybe there's a quiet period and things pick up again," Cherington said. "There are opportunities to get things done in the next 12 days, and after that, we'll keep working on it." If a deal with Dempster is reached, the largest question surrounding him would be the adjustment to not just the American League, but the AL East. Dempster's time in Texas didn't go as planned. After posting a 2.25 ERA with the Cubs, he had a 5.09 mark with the Rangers. That included 10 home runs in 69 innings. Dempster allowed one fewer home run (nine) in a lot more innings with the Cubs (104). But pitchers have been able to transition from the NL to the AL. Sometimes there's an element of surprise that works against hitters, but that's not likely to mean much across a whole season. "Harder. It's certainly harder," Cherington said of bringing guys across league lines. "When you talk about [the Yankees'] Hiroki Kuroda, it's easier because you just saw it in the AL East. You don't have that kind of recent history with everyone. That doesn't mean we can't find the right guy. Just got to keep working at it." Adding Dempster probably doesn't mean the Sox would be content with their stockpile of arms. Cherington said he's been involved with nearly every starting pitcher that's come off the market, be it by trade or free agency. That list, then, could include Zack Greinke and Dan Haren. "I think we've been involved at some level in just about every starting pitcher that's moved -- either signed or traded," Cherington said. "Not everyone, but just about everyone. In every case, you sort of have a limit, boundaries for what you're willing to do for each situation, and we haven't been able to execute it yet. "We're still hopeful we'll be able to add somebody or more than one guy. We're not going to stop necessarily. We'll see. I don't look at [those pitchers who have new teams] as missed opportunities, because you pursue things, but you have to have a limit of what you're going to do. We've had a limit, and at some point, we'll find a match. I'm hopeful and confident we'll be able to do that."

Red Sox ready to introduce Victorino

Outfielder Shane Victorino is set to officially join the Red Sox on Thursday in a noon ET press conference at Fenway Park.

The 32-year-old gives the Sox a center-field-caliber right fielder: He comes to the Sox with three Gold Gloves and a three-year deal for $39 million. "ALOHA look forward to addressing #RedSox Nation," Victorino wrote on his Twitter account Wednesday night. The press conference will be streamed live on MLB.com and redsox.com Victorino's spent the entirety of his nine-year career in the National League and has a career .275/.341/.430 line. Meanwhile, another hitter the Sox agreed to terms with at the Winter Meetings, first baseman Mike Napoli, is still in the wind. Boston appeared to have reached a deal with Napoli a day earlier than it did Victorino -- but the former still has not been introduced. Napoli was reported to have had his physical Monday, and it's possible something negative arose in the evaluation. General manager Ben Cherington didn't acknowledge the Napoli signing at the time it broke. "We've made some progress and he's a guy who gets on base, has power and could be a good fit for our ballpark," Cherington said in Nashville, Tenn., where the Winter Meetings were held. Napoli, like Victorino, was believed to have a three-year, $39 million contract.

DiSarcina to manage Pawtucket in 2013

Triple-A Pawtucket has its manager in place for a run at a repeat as Governors' Cup winners.

The Red Sox have hired Massachusetts native Gary DiSarcina away from the Angels, an industry source confirmed to MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez on Tuesday. DiSarcina spent 2012 as the Angels' Minor League field coordinator. He was named a special assistant to Halos general manager Jerry Dipoto in October. "This is 50 miles from home, and I miss managing," DiSarcina told the Los Angeles Times. "Jerry could have denied the Red Sox permission to speak to me, but he left the decision up to me." DiSarcina replaces Arnie Beyeler, who was added to Boston's Major League staff as its first-base coach under manager John Farrell. Beyeler led the PawSox to an International League championship in 2012, his second year managing the team. DiSarcina was born in Malden, Mass., and spent time in the Red Sox organization from 2007-10, including as a manager for the Class A Lowell Spinners. DiSarcina played in the Majors from 1989-2000 and went to the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Cubs claim reliever Rosario off waivers

 

CHICAGO -- The Cubs added another arm to the bullpen mix when they claimed right-hander Sandy Rosario off waivers from the Red Sox on Wednesday. Rosario, 27, has been active on the transaction wire. The Red Sox acquired him off waivers from the Marlins on Oct. 17, and he was designated for assignment on Nov. 20. Eight days later, he was dealt to the Athletics for right-hander Graham Godfrey. The Athletics then designated Rosario for assignment two days later. On Dec. 10, the Red Sox claimed him off waivers again. Last season, he combined for 17 saves and a 1.99 ERA in 31 Minor League games between the Marlins' Triple-A, Double-A and Class A teams. Rosario missed nearly two months on the disabled list because of a strained right quad. He's had limited appearances over the last three seasons with the Marlins, totaling 7 2/3 innings, and made four appearances in June with the big league team. At Triple-A New Orleans, Rosario posted a 1.04 ERA with 16 saves in 25 games, striking out 24 over 26 innings. This winter, he's been pitching for Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican, appearing in 12 games through Dec. 8. He has 13 strikeouts and five walks over 11 1/3 innings. Cubs manager Dale Sveum knows Rosario. Sveum was with Milwaukee when the pitcher made his Major League debut on Sept. 23, 2010, for the Marlins, and the Brewers' Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder hit his first and third pitches for home runs. Rosario is the third new arm added to the Cubs' bullpen, joining Japanese pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa, who signed a two-year deal last Friday, and Hector Rondon, who was selected in the Rule 5 Draft. With the addition of Rosario, the Cubs' 40-man roster is now at 40

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Well-traveled Rosario returns to Red Sox's roster

Right-hander went from Miami to Boston to Oakland, then back to Boston

From the time he signed in 2004 until this offseason, right-hander Sandy Rosario knew one system. Now, in less than two months, he's been moved three times: from Miami to Boston to Oakland and back to Boston again. Rosario, 27, a native of the Dominican Republic, became Red Sox property again Monday when they claimed him from the A's. Oakland designated Rosario for assignment on Nov. 30. Rosario's travels began in mid-October. The Red Sox on Oct. 17 claimed Rosario from the Marlins, the organization he had been with since signing a pro deal in July 2004. When the time came for the Sox to set their 40-man roster in November, they designated Rosario for assignment before working out a deal with Oakland. Boston received right-hander Graham Godfrey as a player to be named. That trade was on Nov. 28. Two days later, Oakland designated Rosario again, and Boston still had interest. Rosario spent most of 2012 with Triple-A New Orleans in the Marlins' system, posting a 1.04 ERA and 16 saves in 25 relief appearances. He allowed six runs in four relief appearances and three innings with the big club this season. He made two appearances in the Majors in 2010 and '11. Boston's 40-man roster is at 39.

Red Sox acquire right-handed pitcher Graham Godfrey from the Oakland Athletics to complete the Sandy Rosario trade

The Boston Red Sox today acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Graham Godfrey from the Oakland Athletics to complete the November 28 trade of right-handed pitcher Sandy Rosario.  Godfrey has been assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket.  Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington made the announcement.
Godfrey, 28, spent most of last year with Oakland’s Triple-A Sacramento affiliate and was named to the Pacific Coast League’s mid-season All-Star Team.  A two-time PCL Pitcher of the Week in 2012, he went 9-2 with one save, a 3.29 ERA (38 ER/104.0 IP) and 60 strikeouts compared to 26 walks and 98 hits allowed for the River Cats and was tabbed as having the best control among PCL pitchers by Baseball America in its 2012 Best Tools Survey.  The right-hander began the 2012 season on the Athletics’ Opening Day roster and totaled five appearances (4 starts) for Oakland over the first two months of the season.  Including five outings (4 starts) in his 2011 Major League debut, he is 1-6 with a 5.09 ERA (26 ER/46.0 IP) in big league action.
In 2011, Godfrey led the PCL with 14 wins for Sacramento and earned a spot on the Baseball America Triple-A All-Star Team.  He was also named the A’s Organizational Pitcher of the Year that season.  Selected by the Blue Jays in the 34^th round of the 2006 draft, Godfrey has compiled a 49-36 record with a 4.00 ERA (334 ER/751.0 IP) and 565 strikeouts in 149 career minor league games (129 starts) over six seasons in the Blue Jays (2007) and Athletics (2008-12) systems.

Boston acquires Kaminska to complete Stewart trade

Kaminska's stellar start00:00:40

Pirates pitching prospect Kyle Kaminska strikes out four over five shutout innings during the AFL Military Appreciation Game

The Red Sox acquired right-hander Kyle Kaminska on Thursday to complete the Nov. 28 trade that sent Zach Stewart to the Pirates. Kaminska was assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket upon being acquired, the Red Sox announced. The 24-year-old went 9-4 with one save and a 4.19 ERA in 40 games split between the Marlins and Pirates organizations last season. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound righty has pitched in only two games at the Triple-A level and spent most of the year with Miami's Double-A affiliate in Jacksonville, Fla., where he went 6-3 with a 5.11 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 49 1/3 innings. He walked just 1.2 batters per nine innings last season, not far below his career 1.8-per-nine-innings mark. Kaminska also played in the Arizona Fall League this year, going 3-1 with a 1.61 ERA, 21 strikeouts and only four walks in 28 innings over six starts. Kaminska was the Marlins' 25th-round pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft and spent five years in Miami's organization before getting dealt to Pittsburgh at this year's July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. He owns a career 30-28 record with a 4.22 ERA and 400 strikeouts in 135 appearances, including 66 starts.

Sox trade Rule 5 Draft pick to Tigers for outfielder

Justin Henry hit .300 and stole 22 bases last season at Triple-A. (Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Red Sox selected second baseman Jeff Kobernus with the seventh overall pick in Thursday morning's Rule 5 Draft, but they then traded the former Nationals prospect to the Tigers for outfielder Justin Henry. Henry gives the Red Sox some depth at the upper-Minor League level. Last year at Triple-A Toledo, the 27-year-old hit .300 and stole 22 bases. The Sox also lost a prospect at the outset, as the Astros took right-hander Josh Fields with the No. 1 pick in the Rule 5 Draft. "He's a good pitcher," said Red Sox director of professional scouting Jared Porter. "We like to keep everybody." Drafted by the Mariners in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, Fields had been with the Red Sox's organization since coming over with Erik Bedard at the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline in 2011. Fields split the 2012 season between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket, going 4-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 42 games, all in relief. The Red Sox also lost righty Ryan Pressly to the Twins. Pressly was drafted by Boston in the 11th round in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. He was 7-5 with a 5.38 ERA in 2012, splitting the year between Class A Salem and Double-A Portland. "He's always had a good arm. He has good stuff. Good fastball and curveball," Porter said. The Sox added a local product, taking left-hander Jack McGeary in the Triple-A portion of the Draft from the Washington Nationals. McGeary was born in Boston and went to high school at Roxbury Latin. "He missed some time, had Tommy John urgery, but he's a year and a half to two years removed from that," said Porter. "He's a good kid with good makeup. He's a lefty with good command. His fastball is up to 91 [mph]. [His] secondary stuff is still a work in progress. Good delivery

Red Sox add to bullpen with veteran Uehara

Right-hander has 2.89 ERA in four seasons with O's, Rangers since arrival from Japan

Uehara strikes out the side00:00:41

9/30/12: Koji Uehara strikes out the side in a dominant eighth inning, preserving the Rangers' 8-7 lead over the Angels

The Red Sox continued to make moves on the final day of the Winter Meetings on Thursday, reaching a a deal with free-agent reliever Koji Uehara, according to a Major League source. The deal is pending a physical. Uehara, 37, pitched 36 innings for Texas last season, his fourth in the Major Leagues. He would give the Red Sox another experienced late-inning arm. The right-hander worked to a 1.75 ERA in 37 appearances for Texas last season, and he has posted a 2.89 ERA in 157 big league appearances. Uehara was a two-time winner of the Sawamura Award, given annually to the best starting pitcher in Japan, during his tenure with the Yomiuri Giants of Central League, and he signed with the Orioles prior to the 2009 campaign. Uehara was traded to Texas in 2011, and he's pitched in the playoffs for the Rangers in each of the past two seasons.

Sox land Victorino to patrol right field at Fenway

Victorino's three-run homer00:00:47

9/28/12: Shane Victorino jacks Jeff Francis' pitch over the wall in left-center field for a three-run homer in the second inning

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Winter Meetings continue to be a productive exercise for the Red Sox. A day after they got the slugger they coveted in Mike Napoli, Boston has agreed to a three-year deal for outfielder Shane Victorino, a source confirmed to MLB.com. The Red Sox have not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical, and reportedly worth $39 million. While the 32-year-old Victorino has been a center fielder for most of his career, he would likely shift to right field for the Red Sox, at least for 2013. Jacoby Ellsbury is under contract with Boston for one more season. Boston's offer to Victorino was first reported by The Boston Globe. With Fenway Park's cavernous right field, the Red Sox have always preferred a right fielder with center field skills. That is clearly Victorino, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner who has spent most of his career with the Phillies. "It's probably the toughest right field in baseball to play, just in terms of the space to cover," said manager John Farrell, "so that range comes into play. It might not be your prototypical right fielder where it's a power bat, because we do value the defense in that area. That's not to exclude anyone, but defense takes a high priority, in that position at Fenway particularly." The Indians were another team that was pushing hard for Victorino. Last week, Boston signed Jonny Gomes. With Victorino coming on board, that would likely rule out any chance of bringing free agent Cody Ross back. In 2012, Ross was one of the few bright spots for the Red Sox. He was seeking a deal worth roughly $25 million over three years. A switch-hitter, Victorino is a career .275 hitter with 90 homers, 409 RBIs and 201 stolen bases in 1,076 career games. Victorino's 2012 season was a down one offensively, as he hit .255 with 11 homers and 55 RBIs, splitting the year between the Phillies and Dodgers. Victorino stole 39 bases, which would give the Sox an element of speed they don't have much of beyond Ellsbury

Napoli, Red Sox agree to three-year contract

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Red Sox have landed one of their top targets of this Hot Stove season, signing right-handed slugger Mike Napoli to a three-year, $39 million contract, MLB.com has confirmed. The deal is pending a physical and could be announced before the end of the Winter Meetings on Thursday. WEEI.com was first to report the deal. The Red Sox have not confirmed the deal. Napoli is a powerful pull hitter who is a strong fit for Fenway Park, where he is a .307 hitter with nine homers, 20 RBIs and a 1.138 OPS in 75 at-bats, including postseason. Though Napoli has been a catcher for most of his career, the Red Sox are likely to make first base his primary position. Napoli has started 118 games at first in his career. Boston already has a logjam behind the plate with Jarrod Saltalamacchia, David Ross and Ryan Lavarnway. First base, however, is a different story, as the Sox have been trying to find someone to fill that spot since Adrian Gonzalez was traded to the Dodgers in August. The 31-year-old Napoli hit .227 with 24 homers and 56 RBIs for the Rangers in 2012, making his first All-Star team. The Red Sox think Napoli can get back to the level he was at in '11, his first year in Texas, when he hit .320 with 30 homers, 75 RBIs and a 1.046 OPS. Before his two-year stint in Texas, Napoli spent the first five seasons of his career with the Angels, where he played against the Red Sox in the postseason three years in a row (2007-09). With this year's free-agent market short on sluggers, Napoli drew significant interest from other teams, particularly the Rangers and Mariners. The Rangers didn't want to go longer than two years with Napoli, which was likely the deciding factor in him choosing Boston. With Napoli soon to be officially on board, the Red Sox can focus on several other needs they have this winter, which include an outfielder, a starting pitcher and possibly a shortstop. Napoli has played 727 games in the Majors, hitting .259 with 146 homers, 380 RBIs and an .863 OPS

Red Sox non-tender Sweeney, Atchison, Hill

BOSTON -- With decent organizational depth at the corner outfield spots, the Red Sox non-tendered veteran Ryan Sweeney on Friday. Acquired along with Andrew Bailey last December in a trade with Oakland, Sweeney was both injury-prone and unproductive in his brief tenure with Boston. His 2012 season ended on a note that was both embarrassing and frustrating, as he broke his hand punching a door in the clubhouse following a bad at-bat on July 30. The 27-year-old played in 63 games for the Red Sox, and had three stints on the disabled list. He hit .260 with 18 doubles, two triples, no homers and 16 RBIs. Daniel Nava and Ryan Kalish are alternatives to help supplement the outfield. The Red Sox are also on the verge of signing left fielder Jonny Gomes to a two-year, $10 million deal, and they are trying to re-sign Cody Ross. The Sox also non-tendered veteran relievers Scott Atchison and Rich Hill, but there's a chance both could return on Minor League deals that include invites to Spring Training. In fact, Hill was non-tendered last winter and wound up returning. Atchison, a righty, has been an underrated performer for the Red Sox in recent years. In 2012 he went 2-1 with a 1.58 ERA, notching 36 strikeouts. He missed 55 games because of an injured UCL in his right elbow but wound up not needing surgery. Injuries have also been a problem for left-hander Hill, a native of Milton, Mass. Hill bounced back from the Tommy John surgery he had in June 2011 but was able to pitch in only 25 games because of a strained flexor in his elbow. Hill has pitched well for the Red Sox when healthy. Sweeney, Hill and Atchison are now free agents. The Sox did tender contracts to the other 30 unsigned players, a list that includes Jacoby Ellsbury, Alfredo Aceves, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Daniel Bard.

Red Sox tab Rodriguez as assistant hitting coach

 

BOSTON -- The Red Sox have promoted one of their most loyal and hard-working employees to the Major Leagues. Victor Rodriguez was named the team's assistant hitting coach on Friday. The 2013 season will mark Rodriguez's 19th with the organization, but first on the Major League staff. Earlier this week, the Sox selected Greg Colbrunn as their new hitting coach. The Red Sox have joined a new wave of thinking, that two hitting coaches is necessary for peak efficiency. "I think the most important thing is when you consider an assistant hitting coach is they've got to be aligned in their overall thoughts as far as hitting goes," Red Sox manager John Farrell said earlier this week. "We can't have conflicting messages to the individuals. And once that rapport is built with those two staff members, now it gives the ability to have that trust." Rodriguez was Boston's Minor League coordinator for the last six years. Before that, he was the team's Latin field coordinator for three years, and has also served several other roles in the organization over the years. The New York City native was originally signed by the Orioles in 1977 and played professionally for 19 seasons, including 17 games in the Majors

Red Sox tab Colbrunn as hitting coach

Red Sox tab Colbrunn as hitting coach

  BOSTON -- The Red Sox filled their void at hitting coach on Wednesday, hiring former Major Leaguer Greg Colbrunn, who won a World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.

After spending six years as a hitting coach in the Yankees' farm system, Colbrunn moves to Boston, where he will be on a Major League staff for the first time. "I've had a couple opportunities in the past to move up or do something different here in Charleston, but nothing ever really sounded too good or anything until this offseason," said Colbrunn. "And then this situation came up, this opportunity came up. After going through the interview process and my wife being from Connecticut and all that, it's a great opportunity." What made Colbrunn the top choice after an extensive search? "As we've done with every position on the staff, we looked to find people that had great communication skills, that had a very solid personal experience level to tap into," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "And the more we did our homework, it became clear that he was a strong candidate. As we went through the interview process, it became very clear that not only does he have a wealth of knowledge as far as hitting goes, but the ability to relate in that interview process -- we felt like that would certainly carry over to dealing with our hitters. "His fundamental approach to hitting is aligned with what we value. All things considered, this became a very clear choice as we went through that process." After spending the last several years working with Class A hitters, Colbrunn will work with established stars like Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz. "With big leaguers, they've gone through that process," said Colbrunn. "They've gotten their 1,000 repetitions and they have a real good idea how to hit. A lot of it becomes more mental than it is physical." The Red Sox, even before hiring Colbrunn, said they planned on going with a system featuring two hitting coaches. That is still the case, as Farrell confirmed the club is still in the hunt for an assistant hitting coach. Victor Rodriguez, who has been in Boston's organization for years at the Minor League level, is a top candidate. "It's something that we're definitely not only interested in the concept [of] but also looking to put in place," said Farrell. "I think the most important [factor] when you consider an assistant hitting coach is they've got to be aligned in their overall thoughts as far as hitting goes. We can't have conflicting messages to the individuals. And once that rapport is built with those two staff members, now it gives the ability to have that trust." In his 13-year playing career, Colbrunn reached the postseason five times. A California native, he was selected by the Expos in the sixth round of the 1987 First-Year Player Draft. Colbrunn had a solid 992-game career for the Expos, Marlins, Twins, Braves, Rockies, D-backs and Mariners from 1992-2004, hitting .289 with 155 doubles, 12 triples, 98 homers, 422 RBIs and 337 runs. It is fair to describe Colbrunn as a big-game player, considering he produced a .344 average in 21 postseason games. Colbrunn, 46, becomes the latest addition to a coaching staff that has been overhauled since Farrell was hired as manager. Torey Lovullo was named bench coach, and Juan Nieves is the new pitching coach. Brian Butterfield was hired to be the third-base coach, with Arnie Beyeler selected as the first-base coach. Gary Tuck, the bullpen coach/catching instructor, is the one holdover from former manager Bobby Valentine's staff. Colbrunn succeeds Dave Magadan, who moved on to the Rangers after spending six seasons as Boston's hitting coach. "We're very happy, largely in part not only because of the experiences that each have individually but the people that they are," said Farrell. "I thought it was important to have characteristics that each possess. I can say, to a man, that they do -- that the players' well-being, their career, that's at the forefront of everybody's mind. It's not about the coach; it's about the player."

Stewart one of three dealt by Red Sox

Stewart's first strikeout with Boston00:00:25

8/29/12: Zach Stewart gets Mark Trumbo swinging in the first inning, tallying his first strikeout with the Red Sox

BOSTON -- Best known as one of the players the Red Sox got from the White Sox in return for Kevin Youkilis back in June, right-hander Zach Stewart was traded to the Pirates on Wednesday. The Red Sox will receive a player to be named for Stewart, whom they designated for assignment last week. In other minor moves, Boston sent infielder Danny Valencia to the Orioles in exchange for cash considerations and right-hander Sandy Rosario to the Athletics for a player to be named or cash. After stints with the Reds (Minor Leagues only), Blue Jays, White Sox and Red Sox, the 26-year-old Stewart hopes to finally live up to some of his promise in Pittsburgh. Scouts have seen potential in Stewart over the years, based on the fact he has been traded for Scott Rolen, Edwin Jackson and Youkilis in his career. Following the trade to the Red Sox, Stewart spent most of his time in Boston's organization with Triple-A Pawtucket and pitched well at that level. But the right-hander was shelled in two starts for the Red Sox, going 0-2 with a 22.24 ERA and giving up 17 hits in 5 2/3 innings. A 19th-round pick of the Twins in the 2006 Draft, Valencia was dealt in August to the Red Sox, for whom he hit .143 with one home run in 10 games. Boston claimed Rosario off waivers from the Marlins on Oct. 17 and designated him for assignment on Nov. 20. The 27-year-old posted a 1.04 ERA and had 16 saves over 25 appearances for Miami's Triple-A New Orleans squad this past season.

Red Sox name Beyeler first-base coach

Red Sox name Beyeler first-base coach

Former Minor League manager Arnie Beyeler was hired as Boston's new first-base coach. (MiLB.com)

The Red Sox promoted former Minor League manager Arnie Beyeler to the position of first-base coach for the big league club. Beyeler will embark on his 10th season in Boston's organization and his first on a Major League staff. He spent the last two seasons as skipper for Triple-A Pawtucket and became the third manager to lead the PawSox to consecutive postseason appearances. "Arnie has had a successful professional career as a player, coach and manager," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "This allows him to bring a wealth of experience to this position." Beyeler, 48, directed the PawSox to the Governors' Cup in 2012, marking the club's first International League championship in 28 years. Before his stint at Pawtucket, he managed Double-A Portland from 2007-10 and piloted the Sea Dogs to a pair of Eastern League playoff trips. Beyeler got his first taste at managing with the Red Sox organization's Class A Lowell affiliate in 2000-01. He also served as skipper for Class A Augusta in 2002. Beyeler spent three seasons from 2003-05 managing the Rangers' Class A affiliate. He also served as hitting coach for the Padres' Double-A Mobile club in 2006. An infielder by trade, Beyeler spent six seasons in the Tigers' farm system, climbing as high as Triple-A in 1991. He joins a reconstructed coaching staff in Boston that includes a new manager in Farrell, as well as pitching coach Juan Nieves, third-base coach Brian Butterfield and bench coach Torey Lovullo.

Red Sox add six Minor Leaguers to 40-man roster

Top Prospects: Webster, BOS00:00:49

2012 MLB.com Top Prospects: Allen Webster has a good feel for pitching and all signs point to him being a productive starter

BOSTON -- In anticipation of the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, the Red Sox added six players to their 40-man roster, including right-hander Allen Webster, one of the prospects acquired from the Dodgers in the blockbuster trade back in August. The other players the Sox have protected for the Rule 5 Draft are catcher Dan Butler, outfielder Alex Hassan, right-hander Alex Wilson, catcher Christian Vazquez and knuckleballer Steven Wright. To make room for those players, Boston designated five players for assignment -- infielder Ivan De Jesus, third baseman Danny Valencia, and right-handed pitchers David Carpenter, Sandy Rosario and Zach Stewart. Stewart was the prospect the Red Sox acquired for Kevin Youkilis back in June, but he struggled mightily in two Major League starts. Webster, a sinkerballer, is someone Boston hopes can be a big part of the organization's future. Last season, he went 6-9 with a 3.86 ERA and 129 strikeouts while walking 61 over 29 appearances. Butler is known for his defense at a position the Red Sox can't afford to lose depth at within the organization. The same goes for Vazquez, who doesn't have the same experience as Butler, but is considered by some to be Boston's best defensive catcher in the Minors. It was viewed as somewhat of a surprise that the Red Sox protected Hassan, a 20th-round pick out of Duke in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, who had some health problems late in 2012. However, he is one of the most disciplined hitters in Boston's farm system. He had a .377 on-base percentage for Triple-A Pawtucket last season while drawing 55 walks. Wilson's stock has risen since the Red Sox converted him to the bullpen. At Pawtucket in 2012, he produced 78 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings while sitting in the mid 90s with his fastball. He could be an option in the Majors as a closer at some point. Wright, 28, was acquired by the Red Sox from the Indians for Lars Anderson last July 31. The Rule 5 Draft takes place on Dec. 6 in Nashville, Tenn. Before that, another key date on the offseason calendar awaits. By Nov. 30, the Red Sox must tender contracts to all of their unsigned players. Here is a look at Boston's updated 40-man roster: PITCHERS (23): Alfredo Aceves, Scott Atchison, Andrew Bailey, Daniel Bard, Pedro Beato, Craig Breslow, Drake Britton, Clay Buchholz, Chris Carpenter, Rubby De La Rosa, Felix Doubront, Rich Hill, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Mark Melancon, Andrew Miller, Franklin Morales, Clayton Mortensen, Stolmy Pimentel, Junichi Tazawa, Allen Webster, Alex Wilson, Steven Wright. CATCHERS (5): Dan Butler, Ryan Lavarnway, David Ross, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Christian Vazquez. INFIELDERS (7): Pedro Ciriaco, Mauro Gomez, Jose Iglesias, Will Middlebrooks, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Jerry Sands. OUTFIELDERS (5): Jacoby Ellsbury, Alex Hassan, Ryan Kalish, Daniel Nava, Ryan Sweeney.

Red Sox agree to deal with outfielder Gomes

BOSTON -- While the Red Sox haven't given up on re-signing Cody Ross, they reportedly agreed to a contract with a free-agent outfielder with similar credentials. Boston is one of several teams to negotiate with right-handed-hitting slugger Jonny Gomes in recent days, and multiple sources reported Wednesday that he agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract. It remains to be seen how much of a role the Red Sox would ask Gomes to play. What is clear is that his pull power from the right side would make him a good fit at Fenway Park, particularly against left-handed pitchers. Gomes is also noted for having a positive influence in the clubhouse, something that would make him a good fit for a Red Sox team that is trying to improve its culture. Gomes has topped 500 at-bats just once in his career, back in 2010 with the Reds. Last year, he helped the surprising Oakland Athletics reach the postseason by batting .262 with 18 homers, 47 RBIs and a .377 on-base percentage in 333 plate appearances. Over a 10-year career, Gomes, who turns 32 on Thanksgiving, is a .244 hitter with 136 homers, 411 RBIs and a .790 OPS. Gomes broke in with the Rays, where he played from 2003-08. He played for the Reds for 2 1/2 seasons before finishing the '11 season with the Washington Nationals. The Athletics signed Gomes to a one-year deal on Jan. 26, 2012.

The christmas wish of a terminally ill child in virginia

Request from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs who asked if we ould passs on this request from Sergeant Robert J. Carpentieri of the Virginia State Police. Please read the full text of the message and help if you can.

"A friend of mine that is a life-saving crew member in Bedford County emailed me a request and asked for our help within the State Police family.

There is a 6 year old boy ...
from Rustburg, Virginia that is dying of ...terminal cancer and he might not live to see Christmas. His special request is to receive Christmas cards from police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel.

I would appreciate if you could take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and grant Nathan’s wish by sending him a card.
Let’s show our support!"

Cards can be mailed to:

Nathan Norman
81 Dunivan Drive
Rustburg, Virginia 24588

__________________

A Must Watch Video

http://friendsoffirefighters.org/

update as of 11-18-2012

David Ross

The Boston Red Sox ink catcher David Ross two year deal for 6.2 mil.

NEW SUTPHEN DELIVERIES

 THIS IS SOUTHINGTON'S CT NEW SUTPHEN PUMPER  PHOTO BY JIM  LYONS

 IN THIS PIC LEFT TO RIGHT ARE JIM LYONS-FIVE STAR FIRE DREW SUTPHEN PRESIDENT OF SUTPHEN FIRE APPARATUS CHIEF HAROLD CLARK -SOUTHINGTON FD LIEUTENANT JIMMY PAUL FIREFIGHTER KEITH GLABAU FIREFIGHTER GLENN DUBE FIREFIGHTER SCOTT LEE                                                         PHOTO  BY JIM LYONS

 THIS IS FALMOUTH MAINE THIS IS THE FIRST NEW SUTPHEN PUMPER SOLD IN THE STATE OF MAINE. SUTPHEN SHIELD PUMPER 1000 GALLON WATER TANK HALE 1500 GPM PUMP 1O KW HYDRAULIC GENERATOR COMMAND LIGHT LIGHT TOWER CUMMINS ISL 450 HP ENGINE ALLISON EVS 3000 TRANSMISSION  
  PHOTO BY JIM LYONS

 THIS IS HARWINTON ,CT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 2011 MONARCH CUSTOM  PUMPER STAINLESS STEEL BODY 1000 GALLON WATER TANK HALE 1500 GPM PUMP INTERNAL SUCTION HOSE STORAGE CUMMINS ISM 450 HP ENGINE ALLISON 4000 TRANSMISSION   PHOTO BY JIM LYONS

THIS IS  MILFORD CT NEW SUTPHEN SL-75 QUINT AERIAL 1500 GPM HALE PUMP 4 SECTION ALUMINUM LADDER 500 GALLONS OF WATER STAINLESS BODY CUMMINS ISX 500 HP ENGINE ALLISON 4000 TRANSMISSION  PHOTO BY JIM LYONS

pic's of a mill fire in RI & several fires around East Hartford

Hi Looking for fire buff's

Hi I am currently looking for fire buffs to send in pic's and any fire news they have .

First Major Post

above is Hartford Engine 2 and engine 5

 above is old hartford tac 1 engine 9 and engine 1

 above is east hartford engine 3 in hartford on a call

 above is east hartford squad 1

 above is east hartford engine 1

 above is east hartford ladder 2 in hartford on a call

 above is east hartford engine 2

above is a seagrave towermax that did not meet east hartford requirements and then it was return  to seagrave then sold to lynnfield mass

Hartford,ct Engine 11 New sutphen

above is Hartford ,ct new sutphen for engine 11.

David Ortiz

Good News for us Redsox fan they signed David Ortiz on a two year Contract .


stay tune

for more news on fire apparatus and sports news !!

intro post

Hi  this is still an on going work  and is looking for people to give some insight on this website. Once it's up and running I will have daily updates on aera fire apparatus pic's and news on new apparatus being ordered !



Stay Tuned


Mike