COVERITLIVE.COM

11:54

Boston.com - Good afternoon, chatters. Chad will be here in a few minutes, but feel free to start getting in your questions now . . .

12:05

Chad Finn - Hey guys. As always, thanks for stopping by, and my apologies for the non-existent column output this week -- hate when that happens, but just been buried by other stuff. And are you aware of the term "furlough days"? I am. Anyway, looking forward to hearing you perspectives on the state of the Sox as well as predictions for the Pats' final 53. Let's go already . . .

12:05

[Comment From Gracie]
Do you think there's any chance that Alex Gonzales will stay with us next year? He's been hitting better than we expected and he sure doesn't look like he's lost much range. I know he's due $6 million next year but compared to what we've paid our previous SS's, it's a bargain.

12:08

Chad Finn - That's a tough one, Gracie. When the Sox dealt for him, they made it pretty clear that they didn't intend to pick up the contract. But with Lowrie's injury issues and Nick Green being Nick Green, there's something to be said for having a shortstop who provides pretty much what you expect. I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility at this point, even with the relatively steep price tag. And hasn't it been just plain fun to watch him play the position? He's no Pokey to me, but he's pretty dang close.

12:08

[Comment From OilCan]
Got a pick for the NL wildcard? Bout time those Giants are back in the post-season. Bay area baseball needs it.

12:09

Chad Finn - I'd love to see the Giants get in, just to see what Lincecum and Cain can do in a short series. Then again, that's a Pacific Coast League lineup they're running out there for the most part. So I'll say Colorado holds them off, ruining the chance that four storied franchises -- St. Louis, Philly, LA, and SF -- make the NL field.

12:10

[Comment From Big D]
Chad, why did NL Cy Young candidate Brad Penny have to clear waivers after he was released? Was the team unable to trade him? You'd think in the pitching-thin market, some team (like SF) would have traded something so the Sox would not have to still pay him.

12:11

Chad Finn - Speaking of Giants aces . . . Penny had been placed on waivers previously, claimed, and the Sox pulled him back. So they couldn't place him on waivers again, they had to release him. And by the way, that start was an aberration. Watched a little bit of it on the computer -- the Phillies were swinging like they had a plane to catch, and he whiffed only two, I believe. He'll be the Brad Penny we came to know and loathe in no time.

12:11

[Comment From OilCan]
Didn't that player for Boise State get what he deserved? Yeah in the aftermath the Oregon player handled himself poorly, but I would not punish him for the throwing the punch anymore than I would the BS player for getting in his face and initiating contact. You?

12:13

Chad Finn - It's never a good policy to endorse sucker punching, unless Joe Buck is the recipient. (I'm kidding. Sort of.) But I can understand why Blount did it -- the Boise State kid grabbed him by the shoulder pad -- as he was being told to calm down by his own coach -- and talked garbage right in his face. He was asking for it, and man, did he get it.

12:13

[Comment From Brew City Sox Fan]
Had Paul Byrd come back with an NL team this season, would he have debuted with a no-hitter?

12:15

Chad Finn - Yes. And then Dave Duncan would have claimed Byrd was tipping his pitches during his workouts with high school kids before he re-signed with the Sox.

12:15

[Comment From Neil]
Do you believe that BB will try and trade some of the excess lineman to KC where they have had a problem blocking and protecting Cassell? I would hate to just give away some of these excess lineman that the Patriots have spent time and $$ developing.

12:16

Chad Finn - Maybe O'Callaghan --- he got a ton of PT last night, indicating that he's on the bubble. I'm sure Pioli will claim a few players who don't make the Pats' final 53. Wouldn't be surprised if he went after a d-lineman or two as well, maybe Steven Williams or Titus Adams.

12:17

[Comment From OilCan]
Super Bowl Winner? Worst team in NFL this year?

12:19

Chad Finn - As the editor of the Maple Street Patriots annual (gratuitous plug), I like the Pats' chances. Pittsburgh is a real threat to repeat, San Diego is a popular pick but strikes me as a little soft. (Had one NFL broadcaster tell me that Shawne Merriman is not the same player (or the same size) since his PED suspension.) Ultimately, it will all come down to injuries, but if you put me on the spot right now, I would say the Pats are the favorite. I like this team a lot, save for the lack of depth at linebacker.

12:19

[Comment From Big D]
How does Dice-K figure into the rest of the season?

12:19

Chad Finn - For the Sea Dogs?

12:21

Chad Finn - I've had a lot of hope that Dice-K would come back and contribute in September -- and perhaps beyond -- but that first inning of his first start in Portland tempered that enthusiasm quite a bit. Maybe it was just a matter of shaking off the rust, but we know how maddening he was this season when he was having command issues. I'm not giving up on him entirely, but he needs to make significant progress now.

12:21

[Comment From Alvin]
It seems obvious Beckett has a tired arm at least, hopefully nothing more. If that's the case, why don't the Sox just skip him a turn or too and let him recover? It's not like they're winning his starts now.

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