So Kelly Shoppach, phantom texter. True story or this year's spin from Red Sox Pravda that rivals 'Terry Francona is a pill popper' in tar and feathering outgoing Red Sox players/personnel?

I don't want to sound too much like a Shoppach fan-boy (because I am), but there is PLENTY of precedent here (meaning: Red Sox Nation) to kick the guy in the ass on the way out that I think thats a VERY likely explanation for this.

All of sudden, Nomar is a roider, Manny is a jerk, Francona's a womanizing pill addict, Theo had a lot of bad FA signings, Lowe is a drunk/jerk, etc etc etc.

I don't really see the issue, even if it's true, and it's yet another example of hating on the guys who leave. Even if Shoppach was involved, it's awfully convenient to have him be the only guy thrown under the bus.

His explanation about the text and the meeting seem pretty straight. Daily News got some faulty information?

Oh, you don't. I am incredibly skeptical over the veracity of this even if there is some truth because of what you stated.

Have not said this in a while, in fact, I do not remember the last time I said this but here you go: a really good article by Jon Heyman about Bobby V's tumultuous season. Blame seems to be on a FO/Ownership not letting Cherington make too many cutthroat decisions and the fact the players are still not over 2011. Heyman counts 2 significant players who seem to like Valentine and mentions how his own coaches, like Tim Bogar a holdover from Francona, really have no relationship with him.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/1982 ... d-a-chance

Agree 100%.

You can count on your hand the number of big stars Boston didn't trash on the way out.

Sherman thinks Swisher gets 3-4 years 39-52 million

I hope he gets more.

Elsewhere.

You're going to have to come to the realization that if the Mets want a top young cost controlled outfielder they're going to have to draft one. It would be nice if they had a ton of chips to trade for one, but once you get past Wheeler and Harvey they don't really have one. Otherwise the only way to upgrade is signing the Nick Swisher's of the world. It's time to see what College OF's are going to be available in the top 15.

I would hope that people would come to the realization that it's a complete waste to invest large sums of money in the 2013 Mets, and that the year should be spent expunging the roster rather than supplementing it.

Oh, I realize it and I don't want to sign Swisher. I don't think there is a player out there in free agency that I would invest money in. And since the Mets don't even have any money to invest, I don't think you or I will have to worry about it.