Baseball expert Bob Klapisch says that the Red Sox had the better offseason than the Yankees but the Yankees....
Because Klapisch, like most writers, underestimates the value of defense. I read an article yesterday that the Red Sox have added 4-5 wins by upgrading their defense alone. Then figure in the additions of Buchholz (full season) and Lackey. Then consider that the spread between the Yankees and Red Sox, by run differential, was only two games last year, the Sox are looking pretty sweet.
The Yankees have clearly upgraded their pitching with Vazquez, their defense with Granderson. However, replacing Damon, Matsui, and Cabrera with Johnson, Granderson, and Gardner is a definite downgrade.
As far as the money thing, the Sox have been in a payroll pack with the Dodgers, Tigers, Mets, Cubs, and Angels. This year they're elevating to just under the luxury tax threshold, while they wait for some fabulous young players to emerge from their farm system and for Ortiz, Lowell, and Lugo to come off the books. They'll still be spending $40 M less than the Yankees. The other big difference between the clubs is that the Red Sox have a farm system. By next year, the Sox will be down to $135 M while the Yankees will continue to spend like drunken sailors.
And, by the way, Joe, Bob Klapisch is a journalist, not a baseball expert.
