In the spring of 2006, Theo Epstein traded Bronson Arroyo to the Cincinnati Reds for aggressive, raw, outfielder in Wily Mo Peña. With Trot Nixon entering the last year of his contract, Peña looked like the heir-apparent in right field. This did not turn out to be the case; Wily Mo was a flop offensively and defensively. Unlike Peña, Hermida stands a chance be the biggest steal since Heathcliff Slocumb was peddled for Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe, if he can prove that 2007 was not a fluke.

Who Is This Guy?

Jeremy Ryan Hermida was drafted 11^th overall by the Florida Marlins in 2002 ahead of Scott Kazmir, Cole Hamels, and Matt Cain. The Red Sox, of course, drafted Jon Lester in the second round that year. Curtis Granderson, now with the Yankees, was taken at pick 80 in the third round. Hermida was taken ahead of young Reds slugger Joey Votto and Braves catcher Brian McCann. The Marlins current ace, Josh Johnson, who was just signed to a four-year $39 million dollar contract this winter, was not selected until the fourth round.

Baseball America’s prospect rankings, which were done after the trade of Hanley Ramirez from the Red Sox to the Marlins, listed Jeremy Hermida as the Marlins top prospect heading in to the 2006 season. Being a high draft pick is no guarantee for success, but Hermida was not just a top pick and a highly ranked prospect, he was a also a force to be reckoned with in the minors with a career .284/.398/.436/.834 line in 410 minor league games. Continue reading Jeremy Hermida: Wily Mo Done Right »

The Red Sox may be interested in signing Japanese lefthander Hisanori Takahashi, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. MLBTradeRumors.com reports that the Giants and Dodgers are in the lead for his services, but the Red Sox still may hold interest. Four teams (Giants, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Padres) have reportedly offered Takahashi a minor-league deal.

The draw for Takahashi in Boston is obvious: the Sox employ two prominent Japanese pitchers in Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima. The Sox would do their very best to make Takahashi feel at home in Boston, despite its long distance from Japan. Continue reading Red Sox Target Japanese Lefty Hisanori Takahashi »

Nomar Garciaparra appeared destined for the Hall of Fame, and a back-and-forth rivalry with Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter for years and years. By 2004, when he was traded to the Cubs, it appeared Nomar may be able to continue his production against weaker pitching in the National League Central.

Looks can be deceiving, and with Nomar, they certainly are. Despite the skills, Nomar never could put it all together thanks to injuries and a sometimes-questionable clubhouse attitude. Now, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the former Red Sox shortstop is “widely expected to retire.” Despite the fact that I shouldn’t be shocked, I still am mildy surprised that Nomar can’t find any work.

According to WEEI.com’s Lou Merloni, however, talks of Nomar’s retirement may be premature. Considered one of Nomar’s closest friends, Merloni told Rob Bradford that Nomar is “still intent on playing in the majors for the 2010 season if the right situation presents itself.” Continue reading Nomar Garciaparra to Retire? »

In 2002, when the 22-year-old Charlie Zink began experimenting with the knuckleball for the Red Sox, two thoughts came to the minds of Red Sox Nation. First, Zink could be the eventual successor to Tim Wakefield, the next generation throwback pitcher who could continue the tradition of the knuckleball. Second, at just 22, he was young enough that even if he didn’t master the unique pitch until he was 30 he could still have a successful major league career because knuckleballers can last forever, or so it seems.

Fast forward to 2010: Zink is 30, has one (disappointing) major league appearance, and despite several promising seasons in the minors, has not developed into the heir of the knuckleball and a successful major league pitcher. He is also now a St. Louis Cardinal. Continue reading Charlie Zink Joins the Cardinals, Takes the Torch with Him »

Theo Epstein managed to avoid arbitration with closer Jonathan Papelbon for the second straight year, signing him to a one-year, $9.35 million deal, with incentives that could bring the total value to $9.5 million. The contract is the highest for a relief pitcher with four years of service or less, eclipsing Eric Gagne’s $8 million deal in 2005. Seven closers have a salary of $10 million or higher this year in the majors, so Papelbon was just below that total.

Last season with the Red Sox, Papelbon probably had his toughest year as closer, but still finished 38 saves and a 1.85 ERA. He struggled at times with his control, as he allowed 24 walks for a 1.15 WHIP, which is uncharacteristically high for him. He also allowed his first runs and blew his first career save in the playoffs, in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Angels. Continue reading Red Sox Sign Jonathan Papelbon to Avoid Arbitration »

The saga of Aroldis Chapman came to an end when the Cincinnati Reds signed the defected Cuban pitcher last week.  The 22-year-old left-hander, whose fastball that has been clocked as high as 102 MPH, emerged onto the world scene during the 2009 World Baseball Classic while pitching for the Cuban team. Under contract for six years and $30.25 million, the Reds have obtained one of the best young up-and-coming starters in the world.

Who Was In?

While the Red Sox were one of the first teams to get in on the bidding, offering $15.5 million, the Angels and Blue Jays were considered the front-runners as Chapman neared the end of his search for a team. His ties to Angels first baseman and fellow Cuban, Kendry Morales, were thought to be enough to make the team a favorable landing spot. Similarly, Red Sox shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias was believed to be a factor in Boston’s favor. Continue reading Aroldis Chapman: The Reds Future? »