SEA DOGS COACHING STAFF SET TO RETURN IN 2009
Arnie Beyeler Returns For His Third Season as Sea Dogs Manager

Portland, Maine- The Boston Red Sox have announced the coaching staff for the 2009 Portland Sea Dogs. Arnie Beyeler will return to manage the Sea Dogs for a third season. Beyeler will once again be joined by pitching coach Mike Cather, back for his third season with the Sea Dogs, and hitting coach Dave Joppie returns for his second season with the team. Jon Jochim will serve as the team’s Athletic Trainer in 2009. Mike Hazen, Boston’s Director of Player Development, made the announcement.

The 2009 season will be Beyeler’s ninth season as a minor league manager and third with the Portland Sea Dogs. Beyeler, 44, joins Carlos Tosca as the only managers in the Sea Dogs 15-year history to manage the team for three seasons. In 2008, Beyeler led the team to a 74-66 record and the team’s fourth consecutive playoff appearance. In two seasons as the Sea Dogs’ Skipper, Beyeler has recorded a 145-138 record and led the team into post-season play each year. Beyeler recorded his 500th managerial win on August 21, 2008 against the Altoona Curve. He is the ninth manager in franchise history.

Prior to joining the Sea Dogs in 2007, Beyeler served as the hitting coach in 2006 for the San Diego Padres Double-A affiliate; Mobile BayBears. In the fall of 2006 he served as a coach under former Sea Dogs manager Todd Claus with the West Oahu CaneFires in the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League. He previously spent three years managing in the Texas Rangers organization, where he led the Stockton Ports to the California League playoffs in 2003 and 2004.

The 2009 season will mark Beyeler’s sixth season in the Red Sox organization. Previously Beyeler managed Boston’s New York-Penn League team, the Lowell Spinners, in 2000 and 2001 and skippered the South Atlantic League Augusta Green Jackets in 2002. While in the Red Sox organization he managed current Red Sox players Manny Delcarmen, Jacoby Ellsbury, Justin Masterson, and Kevin Youkilis. Prior to his time with the Red Sox, Beyeler spent three years coaching in the Yankees organization including two seasons with the Eastern League Norwich Navigators (1998, 1999). From 1992-1996, he served as an area scout for the Detroit Tigers.

As a player, he was a middle infielder in the Tigers system from 1986 to 1991 reaching as high as Triple-A Toledo in 1991. In 584 minor league games over six seasons, he batted .254 with 69 stolen bases. His best season came in 1987 where he hit .285 in 127 games at Single-A Fayetteville.

Beyeler is a graduate of Wichita State with a degree in communications. He earned all-conference and all-region honors during his stint with the Shockers. He also has a degree from Lamar (CO) Community College. Beyeler resides in Ponte Verda Beach, Florida.

Mike Cather, 38, returns for his third season as the pitching coach for the Portland Sea Dogs and fourth in the Red Sox organization. Last season under Cather, the Sea Dogs pitching staff posted a 4.29 ERA and finished the season allowing the second fewest home runs (92) in the Eastern League and recording the third highest strikeout total (1,061). Cather spent the 2006 season as the pitching coach for the Single-A Wilmington Blue Rocks. While in the Red Sox organization, he has worked with Red Sox pitchers Michael Bowden, Clay Buchholz, and Justin Masterson. Prior to joining the Red Sox in 2006, he was a private instructor for youth, high school, college, and professional pitchers from 2001-2005. Cather appeared in 75 Major League games over three seasons with the Atlanta Braves posting a 5-6 record with a 3.42 ERA. He was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 41st round of the June 1993 amateur draft.

Dave Joppie, 43, returns for his second season as the Sea Dogs’ Hitting Coach. Last season the Sea Dogs ranked first in the Eastern League in walks (577), third in runs scored (704) and fifth in hitting (.267). Prior to joining the Sea Dogs in 2008, he spent two seasons as the Red Sox Class High A hitting coach, serving as the Lancaster JetHawks hitting coach in 2007 and with the Wilmington Blue Rocks in 2006. In 2007 with the JetHawks, Joppie led the team to a California League best .296 team average. The team also led the league in home runs (217) and hits (1,081). Previously Joppie managed the Florida Marlins Single-A team in Kane County in 2004 and 2005. In 2004 he led the Kane County Cougars to an 83-56 record and Western Division Championship. He was selected as the Midwest League Manager of the Year and Baseball America’s Class Low A Manager of the Year. Joppie has 14 seasons of professional baseball coaching experience, the 2009 season will be his fourth in the Red Sox organization. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native is an NCAA Division II, III, and NAIA basketball official.

Jon Jochim joins the team as the Athletic Trainer in 2009. The 2009 season will be Jochim’s seventh with the Red Sox organization. He spent the 2007 and 2008 seasons as the Athletic Trainer for the Single-A Lancaster JetHawks. In 2007, he was honored as the California League Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society. Jochim served as the Sea Dogs’ interim trainer at the end of the 2007 season and was with the team when the Sea Dogs won the Eastern League Championship. Jochim has also served as the Athletic Trainer for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox (2006) and the Short-Season Single-A Lowell Spinners (2004-2005). He began his career with the Red Sox in 2005 serving as an athletic training intern with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox. Prior to joining the Red Sox, he was a trainer for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Beyeler will be attending the Portland Sea Dogs Hot Stove Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday, January 9th at the Wyndam Hotel in South Portland, Maine. Former Sea Dog and current Red Sox pitcher Justin Masterson highlights the event. The dinner and auction benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Tickets are available for $50.00 by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at http://www.seadogs.com.

The Portland Sea Dogs open the 2009 season on April 9th at 6:00 PM against the Connecticut Defenders (Giants) at Hadlock Field. The 2009 season in the Sea Dogs’ 16th season in Portland and the Sea Dogs are looking to make their fifth straight playoff appearance. “The Drive for Five” is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental. Tickets for the 2009 season are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or on-line at http://www.seadogs.com.

-Courtesy Portland Sea Dogs

And the Saga Continues….

More Mark Teixeira news as we await word on something to happen. First Chico Harlan of the Washington Post states that the Nats are in a holding pattern until this is resolved (he speculates Monday), and seems to believe that the Nats still have the 8 year/160 mil offer on the table. Jerry Crasnick from ESPN.com tells the CMSB that the Red Sox may not be out of it, but admits that noone really knows for sure.

“It could be both posturing and finances. Some people assume, because of Teixeira’s personality and his reputation as the Boras “poster boy,” that he’s simply going to take the most money regardless of other factors. How much weight is he going to put on location, winning team, etc.? That’s a mystery right now.

I think the Red Sox are going to offer a deal they’re comfortable with, and they’re not going to waver out of desperation or panic. So right now we have an old-fashioned staredown between Boras and Boston.

These things tend to have a lot of twists and turns, so I wouldn’t take John Henry’s email to mean the Red Sox are definitively out of it. But it’s sure a lot more complicated than it appeared as of last night.”

Oh and just to remind you, our sources within the Nats organization maintain that they have the best offer on the table and maintain their “99%” confidence rate. Personally I hope for baseball’s sake that they are right. You can refresh your memory on that here.

Not So Fast Red Sox Nation

Boston.com is reporting that John Henry sent an e-mail to several media members, and that they “have been outbid for Mark Teixeira and and will not be a factor in signing him”. The link is here.

Update: Sources close to the situation tell the CMSB that the Nationals have the high offer on the table and have since late last week. No word on what it is exactly, but with offers ranging from 8/160 and 8/184, it would be higher than that. In last week’s article, it was known that Teixeira’s family wants him with the Nats, and Boras was “blown away” that the Nats would be the high bidder, so he figured getting a higher offer from Boston was a “slam-dunk”. Thinking that the Nats offer could be a starting point, Boras re-shopped his client. He tried to get the Red Sox to match, but to no avail apparently (see link in first update). The Angels are not budging off of 8/160, and the Orioles are not going above 150 mil. Barring an unforeseen circumstance (ie another team jumping in) or a change of heart amongst one of the organizations, expect Mark Teixeira to sign with or agree to terms with the Washington Nationals within the next 24 hours. Much of this coincides with posts made by Yahoo’s Gordon Edes, and let’s face it, it fits like a glove doesn’t it? The team that is most desperate would be the one willing to go ten years, and if the BoSox and Angels are not, ladies and gentleman, it leaves the Nationals. The CMSB has reached out to other organizations involved for comment on the matter, updates when (or if) they come….

By the way Mr Boras, In case you visit the CMSB, if you want to tell us “way to go” or “Hey you’re full of crap”, feel free to contact us – editor-at-centralmainesportsblog.com or matty-at-centralmainesportsblog.com…or jeff-at-centralmainesportsblog.com……Thanks!

Gammons Report on Teixeira

ESPN’s Peter Gammons is reporting that the Mark Teixeira Sweepstakes is down to the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Nationals. The Central Maine Sports Blog source within the Washington Nationals organization continues to be 99% certain Teixeira will be a Washington National. Gammons says expect a decision in 48 hours. Please refer to the previous story by the Central Maine Sports Blog.

10:11 Update….I just saw the piece with Peter Gammons. He did NOT give a deadline and he only made the Red Sox and Nationals mention in passing referring to where Manny Ramirez was likely to end up. This does not negate our source who maintains “99% certain” Mark Teixeira will end up a National.

Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Celtics won their 15th straight game (franchise record) , and are the 4th team to go 23 -2 to start an NBA Season. Rajon Rondo outplayed Deron Williams, almost going for a triple double scoring 25 points, 9 Rebounds and 7 Assists as the Celtics dispatched of the Utah Jazz and avenged last seasons worst loss, beating the Jazz 100 – 91 at the Boston Garden.

Black Bears Hockey Freshman Goalie Scott Darling was named Pro Ambitions Hockey East Rookie of the Week yesterday. Darling was 2 – 0, 1.00 GAA and .937 save percentage.

Former Maine Black Bear Teddy Percell got his 1st goal of the season for the Los Angeles Kings against the NHL leading San Jose Sharks. Teddy was called up last week from the Manchester Monarchs.

Dustin Pedroia and Daisuke Matsuzaka will be the only Red Sox participating in the WBC this spring.

Ron Borges and John Tomasi (ummm) report that Matt Light has a separated shoulder.

Army Black Knights Women’s Basketball Guard Alex McGuire wins Patriot League Player of the Week.

Youk to 2B, what a great idea…..

Dude, it’s so easy to be Theo

So with College Football taking its customary 3 week break and the NHL and NBA just a couple months into their seasons, most of the sports world’s focus is on two things; the final quarter of the NFL season and Hot Stove talk. With the Pats looking more like a MASH unit than a team trying to get into the playoffs, much of the focus here in the northeast is on what the Red Sox are cooking up for 2009. While the Yankees just handed out over $200 million in contracts for two pitchers, the Red Sox have been very quiet making minor moves such as acquiring pitchers Wes Littleton, Ramon Ramirez and Junichi Tazawa. Middle relief certainly was the Achilles heal of the team last year, however most of the talk about the Sox off-season has been centered around whether or not Boston will land slugger Mark Teixeira (pronounced, however the hell you want) and what they will do to make room for him in the everyday line-up.

While Boston finished 3rd in the bigs in runs scored, there is concern about the injuries that hampered David Ortiz and Mike Lowell–not to mention the Mackey Sasser like production the Sox are expected to get out of the catching position. The big concern is with Mike Lowell who had season ending hip surgery and will be 35 come February. Lowell, who was perhaps the biggest reason the Sox won the 2007 World Series as his production helped to mask a 20 HR-88 RBI season from Manny, has two years and roughly $25 million remaining on his current deal and his status for 2009 is uncertain, though reports are he is progressing very well.

The concern is the lack of depth behind Lowell within the organization as well as the lack of 3B available on the market, especially since Casey Blake re-signed with LA–which reminds me, it is just terrible that Manny cannot find work, just terrible. The thought seems to be among Red Sox management that they could sign Gold Glove winning 1B Mark Teixeira and shift Kevin Youkilis to 3B, where he played 36 games in 2008 while filling in for Lowell. This would protect Boston should Lowell not be able to go come the start of the 2009 season. Should Lowell show in Spring Training that he is healthy enough to play everyday, the Sox could ship him elsewhere for prospects or possibly fill another need that could arise in March–like maybe Josh Beckett adhering to the David Wells diet and training method.

While that would seem the plan Boston is going with (obviously contingent on their signing Teixeira (pronounced, however the hell you want), many Sox fans, most of whom think that real baseball and PS2 baseball are the same thing, have come up with some of their own ideas on what the Sox should do, and listeners of WEEI or WJAB have had the um, “privilege” to listen to these ideas–most of which are the brainchildren of a mixture of Allen’s Coffee Brandy, Marborlo Reds and cough syrup.

IDEA #1–TRADE DAVID ORTIZ, DH MARK TEIXEIRA, KEEP YOUK AT FIRST AND LOWELL AT THIRD

Um, okay, where to begin with this. You would rather keep a 34 year-old everyday player, coming off of hip surgery, over a 32 year-old DH who has been arguably the most clutch hitter in the game over the past 6 years? I know that DH-ing is very tolling on the body, far more so than playing third base everyday, but I think that Ortiz may be able to produce at the same level as Lowell. Why do I think this? Oh, I don’t know, maybe because Ortiz’s .876 OPS in 2008 (his lowest since coming to Boston) is right up there with Lowell’s career best .880.

IDEA #2–TEIXEIRA AT FIRST, MOVE YOUK TO SECOND, DUSTY TO SHORT AND KEEP LOWELL AT THIRD

Ah, PS2 anyone? Now I know that Youk has a career FP% mark of 1.000 in his two career games at 2B, but I don’t think 2B is his spot. Somehow I get the feeling that cromagnon man would have a little trouble turning double play. And while Dusty, like a lot of big league 2B, played SS in college, I think there was a reason why Boston converted him to a second baseman in the minors. I mean, one would think that if Dusty showed a lot of potential as a SS the Sox may have kept him there and not moved him to 2B, just a hunch. But then we just look at the fact that this move would displace two Gold Glove players from their primary spots to positions they have not played in several years–yeah, exactly.

IDEA #3–TEIXEIRA AT FIRST, MOVE YOUK TO LF AND BAY TO RF, PUT DREW ON THE BENCH.

I will admit, I am not the biggest Drew fan, but when healthy, he can produce, which is one problem with this suggestion. And the other would be, um, oh yeah, and who the hell thinks Boston will put $14 million player on the bench? Paging Dr. Coffee, Dr. Allen’s Coffee. After that move, I really do like the idea that Youk would move to LF–which is both the easiest and most difficult LF to play in MLB– a position he has played 18 times in his big league career. Oh, I am sure that he would be “willing” to move to LF as some callers state, but I was willing to QB the Pats after Brady went down–neither of which is a good idea, though seeing how many dents Youks’ dome would put in the Green Monster while trying to chase down balls and ignoring the warning track would be interesting. Can we thank the creator(s) of Sox Appeal for this one?

IDEA #4–TEIXEIRA AT FIRST, YOUKILIS TO CATCHER, KEEP LOWELL AT THIRD

Enter the cough syrup. I know that Varitek was down right awful last year–especially in the clutch–but I would prefer not to see every other pitch hit the back stop. Youkilis was not even the Sox emergency third catcher last year–that fell to Alex Cora. Bet the guy who came up with this gem probably has an infield of Puljos, Howard, Ortiz and Manny on his PS2, hasn’t lost a game in 7 seasons and Robatussin is his favorite food group.

IDEA #5–TEIXEIRA AT FIRST, YOUK TO THIRD, LOWELL TO THE BENCH AND ROTATE 1B, 3B, DH AMONG 4 PLAYERS

Now this idea sounds as though it emanates from a fairly sober person. However, while it would be nice to have some veteran security should Ortiz get off to another terrible start as he did in 2008 and/or have problems with the wrist in 2009 by putting Lowell or someone else at the DH spot, it is doubtful the Sox will go into the season with the plan of keeping a $12 million player on the bench and not deal him when his value may not get any higher over the next two years. Now, this may be plausible should Lowell not be ready to go until mid-summer or should the Sox be unable to deal him for some reason other than his health, but doubtful Boston would not try to find a much cheaper bench player.

Mike Lowell earned the admiration of Sox fans for his performance in 2007, but the fact remains he will be 35 next year and was severely hindered by injuries in 2008. By signing Teixeira and moving Lowell, the Sox get younger and, more importantly, get much better offensively. Given Youks’ solid play at third and Lowell’s diminishing sklls due to age and injury, it is tough to argue that this scenario hurts the Sox in the field so much (if at all) that Theo should put the brakes on this one.

Boston Red Sox New Logo and Road Uniform

Once Again The Central Maine Sports Blog has good intel, here are the new Sox Road Unis

Pictures Courtesy of the Boston Globe

Here are some graphics. Thanks to Gothamite on Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos Site

Boston Red Sox to have "new" Logo and Uniform

Is this the new Cap?

And is this the model for new road uniforms? These are modeled after the
New High Single A Team Salem Red Sox Road Uniforms?

Sean McAdam is reporting changes in the uniform are forthcoming tomorrow.

Photos and concept courtesy of Chris Creamer’s Sports Logo Community

Lil Dusty EXTENDED!!!

The Boston Red Sox inked a contract extension with reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia today. According to reports, the deal is a 6 year 40.5 Million Dollar deal with a club option for the 7th season. There is a 3PM press conference at Fenway to announce the deal.

Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Celtics went into Monday’s game with the Magic prepared to improve against a team that took the season series from them last year. The game was physical from the get go, resulting in a total of 8 technical fouls. Sam Cassell was tossed rom the bench, on a weak foul call on Kendrick Perkins. Paul Pierce continued his torrid pace scoring 17 of his 24 points in the 3rd quarter, to lead the Celtics to their 9th straight win, beating the Orlando Magic 107 – 88.

The Boston Red Sox offered arbitration to Jason Varitek and Paul Byrd.