COVERITLIVE.COM

11:52

Boston.com - Hi chatters -- Mazz will be here in a minute, but in the meantime, feel free to start submitting questions now . . .

12:00

Tony Massarotti -

Hi everyone and thanks for joining. Lots to talk about given the events of the last couple of weeks - Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins - so planning to get to as many questions as possible over the next hour. As always feel free to email me directly at tmassarotti@globe.com.

12:00

[Comment From Steve]
Has there been any sort of talk in regards to signing Ellsbury to a long term deal? Or are the sox just gonna stick to the year by year routine?

12:02

Tony Massarotti -

It wouldn't surprise me if the Red Sox explored it at this stage, but there's really no need yet as Ellsbury is not eligible for arbitration until after next season. At that point, it might make some sense. Of course, given the fact that Ellsbury currently has no leverage, the Sox may be able to entice him into a deal now, too.

12:02

[Comment From Murph]
Tony, I was reminiscing about Pedro yesterday while viewing the Globe's "Pedro though the years" and my question is, why was he brought in to pitch of Game 7 of the ALCS in 2004? It has no bearing on what happened, just curious. The Yankees did get to him for a few runs and a few base hits. Thanks

12:03

Tony Massarotti - If I remember correctly, the Sox had a big lead and Derek Lowe was pitching on two days of rest. The Sox needed to get through the seventh and eighth - and Francona didn't trust much of what was left in an overworked bullpen. Never had a problem with it.

12:03

[Comment From Derek T]
Is Felger really that negative? He makes you look like Mary Sunshine.

12:03

Tony Massarotti - I am now convinced that it's a shtick, but yes.

12:04

[Comment From Steve G]
Mazz, you are certifiable. Isn't losing the division by 8 games, and then watching a 8-0 season series lead fizzle to a 10-8 finish enough to ignite an active offseason for the Sox front office? I contend it is, and rooting for the Yanks is very Shaugnessy of you just to stir up discussion.

12:05

Tony Massarotti - At this stage, in my opinion, it's all about world titles. That's the only way any messages get delivered now.

12:05

[Comment From Andy - Salem]
Mazz, last year I asked you if the Cavs were "For Real" and you answered by saying; "Yes . . . their defense is 'Stiffing'"; after last nights game, do you still feel the same way??? I asked you the same question when I saw you outside of Fenway just a few days later.

12:06

Tony Massarotti - Wait, what does a comment I made last year have to do with that game last night? Different teams, different players, etc. The Cavs can still play D. They traded for Shaq to get offense.

12:06

[Comment From Guest]
Is next year destined to be a transition year, or is there a way that this team can get better without saving enough money to resign beckett?

12:08

Tony Massarotti - Agree that it currently looks like a ``rebuilding'' year, though the Sox will always be in the race given their pitching, payroll, etc. Still, if Bay is resigned and they can acquire Alex Gonzalez, I'll like their chances a lot better. Also, they'll have plenty of money to sign Beckett (if they want to) because the deals of Lowell and ortiz, among others, are up after next season.

12:08

[Comment From David]
In your opinion what percentage of Red Sox fans are going to watch most of the World Series?

12:08

Tony Massarotti -

The same percentage that watch Red Sox games. Game 6 of the ALCS drew a 9.4(ish), which was what the typical Red Sox broadcast drew during the regular season.

12:09

[Comment From Fred]
Who's going to be the next bench coach for the sox?

12:09

Tony Massarotti - How about John Farrell?!

12:09

[Comment From Derek T]
What is up with ESPN? Is the Globe like that? Where does Steve Phillips end up, EEI?

12:10

Tony Massarotti - Obviously, ESPN has had lots of problems with this issue - not surprising given the number of male employees, former jocks, etc. The Globe isn't perfect, but ESPN has a major image problem. Nice rip on the other radio station!

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