Timlin confirmed, Wakefield retained

Some happenings only three days after the end of the World Series.  The Sox have now confirmed the deal that was made with Mike Timlin.  $2.8 million for one year with some interesting incentives including bonuses for games pitched and games finished. He’ll get $125,000 when he pitches in his 39th game, and again when he pitches his 50th, 60th and 70th games.  Many folks are skeptical of this deal, even one of my sistahs, but I have to say I’m thrilled.  As a fan of Mike’s, I like knowing he’ll probably end his career in Boston.  As a fan of the team, I see this as a  no-brainer.  It’s a short contract, for pretty much short money.  He isn’t going to be their close, or even their set up man.  He’ll give them a few good innings in the games he’s in and he gives them a veteran presence in the bullpen.  Given the age of the rest of the pitchers we have thus far, that makes me very happy.  After his 81 appearance season in 2005, then the WBC and his ending up on the disabled list, Mike had a very off-year in 2006. 

He’ll be 41 at Spring Training.  Maybe last year was a sign of his age kicking in, maybe it was as I listed, the wear and tear on his arm in 2005, coupled with his training being changed due to the WBC and subsequently his visit to the DL.  I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt here.

As far as Wakefield goes, it isn’t a surprise that the team picked up his option, for what he costs and what he brings to the team, it’s another no-brainer.  From the A.P story:

Early in the 2005 season, Wakefield agreed to a $4 million, one-year contract extension through 2006 that gave the Red Sox the ability to keep their longest-tenured player for the rest of his career. The team can keep renewing his contract annually at the same salary.

Wakefield agreed to this because he wanted to stay in Boston and he said he wanted his son to see him pitch at Fenway Park.  I’ve written about Wake many times here.  The guy is the heart of this team.  When he’s healthy, he’s effective.  And he’s another good presence in the clubhouse.  I like the youth movement but I’m happy to have the three 40 year-olds (including Schilling) in that clubhouse.  Guess I’m a little old school that way.

Meanwhile, Doug Mirabelli, Mark Loretta, Alex Gonzalez, Gabe Kapler and Trot Nixon have all filed for free agency.  No surprises there really.  I like all these guys, albeit some more than others.  But if I have to choose and I can’t have them all, I want to see Loretta and Nixon back in their Red Sox next season.

I didn’t get a chance to hit Faneuil Hall today to visit the Auerbach statue.  Maybe tomorrow if I am feeling better (colds stink don’t they?  you’re sick enough to be annoyed and sluggish but NOT sick enough to stay home in bed).  The Celtics are going to wear black shamrocks with Red’s name on their uniforms to honor him.  I’d be happier if they honored him by canceling the  ‘dance team’ for the season.  Even so, I like the idea of a black shamrock with his name in red.  Nicely done, Celtics.

I think it was very kind of my body to wait until the night of the last night of baseball for 2006 to get sick.  Thanks, body.  🙂  I’m going to go hit the bottle of Nyquil.  See you all on the flip side.

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