en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/4206576 Comments by TopherDD http://firebrandal.com/2012/12/31/fire-brand-turns-nine/#IDComment534093418 Great site,very informative and well written. I have had several good 'debates' in the comment section with your writers and readers.The content of the comment section represents your site very well.We want good information,and we can find it here.Mix in a little humor and a love for all things Sox,and you have Fire Brand Wed, 2 Jan 2013 17:45:05 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/12/31/fire-brand-turns-nine/#IDComment534093418 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/25/what-was-cherington-thinking-in-scutaro-trade/#IDComment275384073 Cherington was probably biting the bullet for his bosses about staying under the salary cap.What moves would you like to see done?,especially if he had financial restraints ? Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:17:08 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/25/what-was-cherington-thinking-in-scutaro-trade/#IDComment275384073 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/25/what-was-cherington-thinking-in-scutaro-trade/#IDComment275008833 Wow,did not expect to see a column of that nature . Did the founder of this website just say (accuse) John Henry improved his Liverpool FC at the expense of the RedSox ? Scutaro was a decent player but I believe a Punto/Avilas platoon (maybe Iglesias,if he can hit .240) will be just as effective .The RF platoon of Ross/Sweeney or eventually Kalish ,should be an improvement from last year .The 4th and 5th starting spots with Bard,Padilla,Tazawa,Miller,Aveces,ect.,may not be the greatest of options but whose rotations are without questions? Should Cherington have gutted the farm system for Gio Gonzales? Truth be told ,I may have as I think he could be an ace.Give C.J. Wilson a mega-million long term contract?(after that post-season) Post for Yu Darvish?( though I think he will be good, )Lets give Cherington more than one off-season to see what he can do.These moves may not be ideal but compared to some of the alternatives ....we will have to see. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:40:25 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/25/what-was-cherington-thinking-in-scutaro-trade/#IDComment275008833 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/24/ross-is-boss-we-hope-and-where-to-go-from-here/#IDComment273083640 Appears to be a solid signing of a veteran,who will understand the role he will have. Good glove,and key member of the San Francisco Giants 2010 successful playoff run.(nlcs mvp,great interviews,5 knocks in playoffs) I don't like talking about the luxury tax,but understand it,I think the Sox might be better off seeing what's available around the trade deadline. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:10:16 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/24/ross-is-boss-we-hope-and-where-to-go-from-here/#IDComment273083640 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/21/do-the-sox-really-have-any-legitimate-starting-pitching-options-in-the-minors/#IDComment270510339 There seems to be opposing views within Fire Brand . Signing a free agent such as Oswalt or Jackson or to remain under the luxury tax.Oswalt's recent injury history ,labels him a fairly large risk. Jackson's history indicates he will give you 30+ starts and close to 200 innings.Good numbers ,especially from a 5th starter,but he puts a ton of runners on base.and his k/9 seems to be in decline.Not sure how that would stand up in the AL East. Weighing that with his over the luxury tax price tag,I might be inclined to go with what Cherington has put together.If paying the luxury tax (40%-per $1 over,I believe for 2nd year over) prevents the Sox from signing Ellsbury ,then I say go with what we have. I enjoy reading these educated and obviously heart-felt views on our team. Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:52:50 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/21/do-the-sox-really-have-any-legitimate-starting-pitching-options-in-the-minors/#IDComment270510339 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/20/shaughnessys-faux-rage-im-not-buying-it/#IDComment269799631 I rank Carl Everett's "Curly Haired Boyfriend " comment towards negative Dan, slightly ahead of his 2 out ninth inning single off of a near perfect Mike Mussina ,as far as Sox lore is concerned.Though it is very close,as I remember a gator clapping Everett on 1st base was a welcome site that day. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:38:50 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/20/shaughnessys-faux-rage-im-not-buying-it/#IDComment269799631 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/19/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-2012-red-sox/#IDComment268756224 A healthy and effective Jenks would make Bards jump to the starting rotation a much less riskier proposition.Todays game being what it is with pitch counts and situational pitching(Larrussa's WS champs St.Louis Cards.) a deep and effective bullpen is a must if you want to compete. Can Jenks ,Melancon,or anyone else on the roster give us (the Sox) what Bard did ? September not withstanding. Also I liked that you defined wRC+ as well as gave a league average for that 'equation'. It makes for a much easier read when you don't have to refer to the Bill James handbook or fangraphs website ,constantly Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:29:58 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/19/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-2012-red-sox/#IDComment268756224 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/18/cafardo-mailbag-the-debbie-downer-edition/#IDComment267755440 I would like to see the Sox keep both Bard and Aveces in the bullpen .Could we really expect either of them to pitch more than 150 innings or so given there history .The bullpen appears to me a major strength ,why dilute it. Padilla,if strong enough,would seem to me to be an excellent candidate for the 4th starter spot.(club-house issues aside ). That leaves the 5th spot to a collaboration of Miller,Cook,Silva,Dumbront,Bowden,and DiceK(when he returns).Not the ideal situation but with a strong lineup and a very strong and deep pen ,I believe that would put the Sox (us) in the best position to compete. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:40:09 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/18/cafardo-mailbag-the-debbie-downer-edition/#IDComment267755440 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/10/making-sense-of-ben-cheringtons-offseason/#IDComment260415623 The additions of Silva and Cook could give the Sox the veteran depth they certainly could've used on September 27th last year.Injuries,ineffectiveness,and/or inexperience to the rotation and a much to heavy load on the bullpen is what really doomed the Sox.Stocking the PawSox with major league arms at low risk contracts seems a better option than Kyle Wieland.Where was ex-PawSox Kevin Millwood on September 27th? How about the once promising M.Bowden? formerly cdchi Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:26:36 +0000 http://firebrandal.com/2012/01/10/making-sense-of-ben-cheringtons-offseason/#IDComment260415623