It's All Strategy, Baby

Three big pieces of news today:

Alex Cora has a brand spankin’ new 2-year deal, courtesy of the Boston Red Sox. Scuttlebutt is that the Sox re-signed Cora so they have some security as they decide whether to pursue Julio Lugo, Alex Gonzalez, Mark Loretta and figure out what to do with Wonderboy. When reporters asked Theo about the current Wonderboy plans, his response sounded like they’re just as happy to send him back to AAA as make him the starting second baseman next year – it all depends on how much work he does over the off-season. What would be really interesting is if Wonderboy really did work his ass off over the off-season only to find that the Sox picked up another option for second base and dealt the newly improved Pedroia in a sweet, sweet trade.

The Sox declined the one year option on Keith Foulke, with Epstein saying that Boston is going to look for another closer by “trade or free agency.” This move could be a face-value dumping of yet another member of the class of 2004, or it could be a tactical gamble to see what Foulke’s reaction will be; the pitcher has an option of his own that he can exercise. If he does, Boston saves about 2.25 million, money they can use on…

…the bidding on Daisuke Matsuzaka, which ends today. With numerous teams (including, supposedly, the Sox) clamoring at the meat market like so many hungry dogs, overspending is practically a guarantee. Sure, the guy is 26 and he’s a sick, sick pitcher, but A-Rod was a good deal at one point, too. If a team blows their entire budget on this one pitcher I’m going to laugh and laugh and laugh. Unless it’s Boston and then I’ll just cry.