Over the Monster, a Boston Red Sox community

Here is an interview with Boston Red Sox 2012 first round pick Deven Marrero who talks about the draft process, being Arizona State Sun Devils brothers with Dustin Pedroia, and more.

An implosion is defined as "a violent inward collapse," and can often be recognized by large puffs of smoke surrounding the effected area. The 2011 Red Sox were a team constructed to score runs, play defense, and pitch with authority. The season did not play out as scripted, and was highlighted by disappointing performances by Carl Crawford, John Lackey, and Daisuke Matsuzaka, a combined $39.25 million salary in 2011. While these very expensive mistakes made many Boston fans squirm in their seats, it was settling to know that the Red Sox roster did not depend on these two for production.

Over at Baseball Nation, I wrote about other teams who started like Boston did this year, and were then successful -- and what that means for this year's club.

If you're looking to get a little more info on sox prospects... I’ve been doing a series of interviews with baseball writers over at BB, and I just published one today with Chris Mellen of soxprospects.com Some pretty interesting stuff in there. Chris watches a lot of Red Sox minor league games and is very well informed. Bright guy and a fun interview to do: http://bit.ly/CTTPCM I asked him about many specific prospects, as well as his take on the Sox offseason & what his batting order would be – I think many of you would approve of his selections.

Article and videos chronicling Manny Ramirez’s much anticipated return to Boston. Included are clips of Manny interacting with Red Sox fans and a look at his very last few minutes at Fenway, before leaving for LA. A bizarre Manny in LA story is also incorporated in this article.

According to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, there have been "substantive discussions" recently between the Boston Red Sox and pending free agent pitcher, Josh Beckett, regarding a potential contract extension. There isn't too much detailed inside information in the short article, outside of the fact that discussions are bringing a sense of optimism. However, it's a safe assumption that the Red Sox made a point to cite any health concerns at the onset of negotiations; the fact that the waters are still calm can certainly be considered encouraging.

Looks as though the rumblings regarding Kotchman to the Mariners may be true. UPDATE [5:15 PM EST]: Alex Speier says the deal is for a PTBNL, a major league role player, and cash (coming our way, of all things!). -- Ben

What else can go wrong? Manny Delcarmen could suffer a car accident this afternoon. Oh, wait do you say, he did suffer an accident in his hummer?!! Oh my!! First Alex Gonzalez's hand now this! I hope he feels as good as he says. He may be busy the next couple of weeks....

Beckett suspended for 6 games by MLB 2:20pm Eastern NEW YORK (AP)—Boston pitcher Josh Beckett has been suspended for six games and fined by Major League Baseball, which determined he intentionally threw a pitch near the head of the Los Angeles Angels’ Bobby Abreu last week. Beckett also was cited for "aggressive actions" after the pitch that led to the benches clearing Sunday, according to Bob Watson, vice president for discipline in the commissioner’s office. If Beckett appeals, any penalties would be delayed until after a hearing. Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher was suspended for one game and fined, and he was to serve the penalty Tuesday night. In addition, Watson fined Angels manager Mike Scioscia and players Torii Hunter and Justin Speier. Yahoo Sports reporting.

Interesting analysis of how the Yankees' and Red Sox' offseason moves could pay out. I think the article should consider the possible returns for Lowell and/or Crisp in a trade, but overall it's well-written.