Red "Yawn" Sox Nation

Yawn, nation. Our beloved Red Sox don't need to make nine-figure splashes every off-season. They don't need to be on Sportscenter every night. But, man, why do I feel like I am stuck in a horribly long and awful dream?

Did you know that we re-signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a one-year $8.05 million dollar deal? That's great news, right? It's not a multi-year contract but if the Red Sox are smart, they'll get that done.

Can you tell me who the new Red Sox are? How about at least one name? Anyone?

Did you know that 6' 5" Japanese pitching sensation Yu Darvish just signed a $60 million dollar, 6-year contract with the Texas Rangers? Coupled with the $51.7 million dollar posting fee, the Rangers spent some hefty cash, but what would Darvish look like in a rotation with Lester, Beckett and Buchholz? I shutter to think. And what is an additional $110 mill to John Henry anyway?

So the Red Sox can't spend and spend and spend. I get it. But why am I....excuse me.....yawnnnnnn...just so damned anxious!

2012 Cherington Campaign: Puzzle Piece #3

Andrew Bailey is coming to the Red Sox, y'all! What are you doing right now? Have you high-fived someone about this yet? This is huge news for us, Red Sox nation. First of all, Bailey is locked up for 3 seasons, so we have a young, proven back-of-the-rotation stud who can close games for us for years to come. Secondly, this means that Mark Melancon can set the table for Bailey and help close games when we need a spot closer. And lastly, this means Daniel Bard is assured a chance in the Red Sox rotation. He wont have to look over his shoulder anymore. We have a closer, Daniel. You go win games now as a starter. Bard joins Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz in the Sox rotation with fellow converted reliever Alfredo Aceves. These guys can count on a couple of gems at the end of the bench in Mark Melancon and now Andrew Bailey. I look at those names and I feel pretty good about our chances winning games next season.

Ben Cherington gets his man. We've been reading for weeks how the Red Sox were in line for this player or that. Gio Gonzalez was supposed to be ours, but I guess the Oakland A's liked what the Washington Nationals had to offer better. But Cherington got this Bailey trade done and that brings a smile back to our faces. It makes me wonder if the Sox are done dealing. The Boston media have been reporting that the Sox are still in on Matt Garza from the Cubs. I'll believe we get anything from Theo when I see it.

Andrew Bailey is a Red Sox! Are you kidding me? The first person I see at work tomorrow I am going to high-five. They'll ask me why and I'll reply with two words, Andrew...Bailey.