Big Papi and Sox Agree to a Two Year Deal

The face of the Red Sox is coming back to Fenway for a couple more seasons.

David Ortiz and the Red Sox agreed to a two year deal to keep him in Boston a bit longer. It is for for at least $26 million with a few million more in incentives for the near 37 year old slugger. Despite Big Papi playing only 90 games in 2012, Ortiz managed to bat .318 with 23 home runs and 60 RBI's. If he can remain healthy, he is still a valued player for the team.

It was a pity that 2012 was a lost season for him and the Red Sox as a whole. While it still might take some time for the Red Sox to recover, I certainly hope that they can come back to form while David Ortiz is still there.

Johnny Pesky: 1919-2012

One of the biggest names in Red Sox lore is gone. Johnny Pesky, who had been part of the Red Sox organization for more than 60 years, passed away at the age of 92. He died at a hospice house north of Boston and cause of death was not announced.

Pesky first joined the Red Sox organization in 1939 and made his debut in 1942 after two years of minor league play. That year he had 205 hits as a rookie which was the team record until Nomar Garciaparra broke it in 1997. He would serve three years in the navy during WWII afterwards rejoining the Red Sox. Pesky was said to have hit a home run that curled around the RF foul pole. From then on it was known as Pesky's Pole.

After his playing career, he would manage a bit working through the minors and made his way back to the majors managing for the Red Sox for a couple of seasons in '63 and '64. He later returned to the Red Sox as a broadcaster, then a coach on the team, interim manager in 1980, then coach again to instructor. For over 60 years, Pesky has been part of the Red Sox in one way or another.

Johnny Pesky has been a beloved part of the Red Sox Nation and we will never forget what he has done for the team, the game, and the city of Boston.

Ichiro Traded to Yankees, Debuts in Seattle?

This last weekend hasn't been that great for the Nation. The good news was the fact that the Yankees got swept by the A's (like Oakland again). The bad news to take that away was the fact that the Yankees made an addition to their clubhouse. Longtime Mariner, Ichiro Suzuki, has been traded to the Yankees for a couple of pitching prospects. What made things even more intriguing was the fact that he made his Yankees debut that very day. Why? Because the Yankees were in town visiting the Mariners in Seattle. That's right. Ichiro's Yankee debut was against his old team at Safeco Field. Ichiro went 1 for 4 as the Yankees won, 4-1.

A little surprising that Ichiro leaves the team after so long and looks to be playing his farewell series over the next few days. Seems a bit proper for the fans of Seattle to have a chance to say goodbye to Ichiro before he leaves Seattle. I'm not sure how much Ichiro will help the Yankees considering that his batting average has been going down over the last few years. Sure, he can still play and that short RF in Yankee Stadium will help him but they are still getting a player that used to be in his prime.

While many will be intrigued as to how Ichiro will help the Yankees, I am more interested to see where he goes after this season is over and he is a free agent. Will the Yanks still want him then or will he have to find a new home?