This is an example of what I hate about Felger, and I like the guy and I listen and everything but: he has the guy from the Herald on, Lauber, and they're talking about Theo's statement that there aren't really any impact players available this deadline. I think Lauber said he agreed basically, which is obviously anathema to Felger's agenda, so he goes, "I dunno, Prince Fielder...", knowing full well that there is no place or need on this team for Prince Fielder in 2010. Like, it's more important to him to win an argument than be factually correct, or to start an argument (be entertaining) than to be informative. Or maybe he doesn't realize why Fielder makes no sense, it wouldn't surprise me, although that's another topic in and of itself.
This is an topic where it seems both Felger and Mazz lack the typical built-in reality check that they have on other topics. They both are prone to wild generalizations and end up totally out of control. Mazz has been peddling this notion that the Red Sox knew coming into the season that they weren't going to contend and, therefore, they are not going to pursue any trades and they are going to blame it all on injuries. This notion is fairly easily refuted, but is accepted as fact by both of them.
To your point, I actually think Felger doesn't realize why Fielder makes no sense. It is obvious that he is less sophisticated when it comes to baseball than other sports. I appreciate that he is often self-critical and he usually displays enough natural curiosity to try to learn about the issues that he is talking about. For Felger, he can't get over Mike Cameron and his strikeouts. Neither Felger nor Mazz bothered to try an understand the moves the Red Sox made this offseason, so discussions about the Red Sox become this closed-looped feeding frenzy between the two.
They have both been crushing the Red Sox front office. Mazz has called Theo Epstein a liar and thinks that the team is betraying its fans at the deadline. They have talked for hours about deadline deals without explaining a single move that would make sense.
Both of them are guilty of speaking in generalizations about the obvious need to acquire "a big bat" "an impact player" "outfield help" or the need to "upgrade the bullpen." They complain that Theo is going to "let the players down," that their stance "won't go down well in the clubhouse." By this point, like you, I'm thinking "WHO?!?!" I bang my fist in my steering wheel - just name a couple of guys that would make realistic trade options and discuss why. When asked for names, they regularly throw out names like Fielder and Adrian Gonzalez, neither of whom make any sense. Who are you going to drop, Felger? Ortiz, Beltre, or Youkilis!?
The problem with this deadline is that there are no good players available at a reasonable price. The Red Sox can overpay for a decent bullpen arm or an outfielder they might not need in a couple of weeks when everyone gets healthy. What else can they do?
Felger's excuse is his ignorance, but Mazz has no excuse. He's obviously peddling a narrative without looking at the facts (surprise surprise).
