Early on this offseason, here is a list of teams that are making noise early on the free agent market and are ready to strike:

Florida Marlins: With a new manager in place in Ozzie Guillen, arguably the one they wanted for several years, and a new stadium set to open up in Miami, the Marlins are beginning to look like the hot destination after all. No more closing the upper deck and halting ticket sales for certain parts of the stadium, the new stadium will be tailored to the city, the fans, but most importantly, the Marlins. 

Targets: Jose Reyes, Carlos Zambrano, Aramis Ramirez, Mark Buehrle, Yoenis Cespedes

Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers will have to make up for Prince Fielder if he signs elsewhere, but they also have their sights set on shortstop Jose Reyes, among other infielders, and another starting pitcher. They are coming off an excellent season and are in a good place to continue to blossom into a division leader. 

Targets: C.J. Wilson, Jose Reyes, Clint Barmes, Chris Capuano 

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Joe Cowley is reporting via Twitter that Mike Quade will not return as Cubs manager next season. The move does not come as a big surprise as Quade replaced Lou Piniella at the end of the 2010 season, and remained in place because the knew the organization top to bottom and had a great reputation around the league and in the clubhouse. However, the Cubs posted a dismal  71-91 record this past season and were a complete mess in more places than one. 

I imagine Rudy Jaramillo, the teams hitting coach, will be given another opportunity given he is under contract for at least two more years. He is one of the best in the business and any manager would be lucky to have him in the fold. 

Who the Cubs approach for manager will be interesting to see. There are a lot of intriguing names on the market and given the name power this organization now boasts, you have to think they are going for a long-term option who already has experience.  

"The managerial search process begins immediately," Epstein said. "We are looking for someone with whom and around whom we can build a foundation for sustained success. The next manager must have leadership and communication skills; he must place an emphasis on preparation and accountability; he must establish high standards and a winning culture; he must have integrity and an open mind; and he must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level."

Any ideas for who the Cubs could bring in? Would Terry Francona be given an interview? 

Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava has reportedly turned down the Orioles offer to take over as general manager, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. LaCava has been discussed as a possibility for numerous jobs over the past few years, so his time will come. 

The Orioles are also looking at Dodgers assistant De Jon Watson and John Stockstill, who is Director of Player Development with the O's. If they were set on LaCava, they will likely conduct more interviews but the window to sign a GM before the free agency process is closing and it is best for teams to have a GM in place when the free agency period begins. 

The Cubs announced this evening that former Padres GM Jed Hoyer and assistant GM Jason McLeod will be leaving the Padres and joining the Cubs. Hoyer will be the general manager and McLeod will be head of scouting and player development. The Cubs will send compensation in the form of a minor leaguer to the Padres, who are expected to promote Josh Byrnes to general manager.

The Cubs will reshuffle their front office quite a bit, with front office mainstays Tom Wilken and Oneri Fleita reporting to McLeod.

"The only way [to win consistently] is through scouting and player development," Hoyer said when hired in San Diego. "I want to build it from within. There's no magic formula that I learned in Boston, no 'special sauce.' It comes down to the building blocks of baseball, which are scouting and development." 

The Cubs now sport an All-Star crew in their front office primed to make some big moves over the next year. This upcoming offseason should be especially interesting as the Cubs will be sporting a new face and a new team when luring players to the friendly confines. 

What will also be interesting is next years draft. The Cubs have relied on Wilken especially in that department but with a new look and philosophy, they could have their eyes on other players. It will be interesting to see what kind of budget the teams new owner, Ricketts family, gives Epstein, Hoyer, and the crew to work with. 

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein will take over as the Cubs' next president and will hire a general manager. The move may disappoint some Cubs fans but it is actually a move that should change the entire philosophy of the organization. 

The Cubs current president, Crane Kenney, is more of a business man with little baseball experience. He's done positive things on the business end with the club, but getting someone with Epstein's resume in that position gives the Cubs the potential for a powerhouse front office. The Cubs are reportedly eyeing former Red Sox exec and current Padres GM Jed Hoyer for the Cubs GM role, which is likely as enticing as it appeared for Theo Epstein... but his job certainly has it perks. 

The Cubs are also reportedly looking at Padres exec Josh Byrnes, who used to be the Diamondbacks GM before joining the Padres staff. Kevin Towers turned the Diamondbacks around this year and would likely only jump ship so quickly to take the job Epstein appears to be taking. But one intriguing option, probably a dark horse candidate, is Diamondbacks exec Peter Woodfork. Woodfork has been discussed as a candidate for other jobs but hasn't landed one yet. He is a former Red Sox exec too which would reunite him with Theo Epstein.

The list for GM of the Cubs is not long at all, and will likely be kept tight lipped until after the World Series. 

ESPNChicago.com is reporting that manager Ozzie Guillen has been released from his contract and will accept the Marlins managerial gig. Ozzie won 677 games for the White Sox, the third most of all-time among White Sox, and won a World Series in 2005.

"We certainly cannot thank Ozzie enough for all he has done during his eight seasons as manager of the Chicago White Sox, highlighted by an unforgettable 2005 World Series championship," chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "I personally appreciate everything he has done for this organization, our fans and the city of Chicago. We shared the greatest moments together and wish him nothing but future success in baseball and in life."

It has been reported that the White Sox will receive two minor leaguers from the Marlins in exchange for Guillen, but it has not been confirmed yet. 

Former Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone told Sirius XM radio that John Smoltz used to rub pine tar on the balls when he pitched. It is quite the accusation from Mazzone who was once considered the best pitching coach in the game. 

"One time Smoltzy had it on his shoes and I said, 'John, you can't keep bending over and touching your shoes all the time. Let's put it someplace else,' '' Mazzone said.

Smoltz posted 213 wins and 154 saves in his 20-year career, winning the Cy Young in 1996. Mazzone was the Braves pitching coach from 1990-2005. 

ESPN.com is reporting today that commissioner Bud Selig is angry over the Mets taking the "no commemorative hats" on 9/11 public. Selig was reportedly irate and embarrassed that word got out and reflected poorly on the league, especially on national television. The team, specifically manager Terry Collins, said it is a distraction and that the focus should not be on what hats we wear, but who we are playing. 

"It all takes away from their preparation. They're all being asked questions that they're afraid to make an answer, they're afraid to say the wrong thing. We've got to start focusing on what the game is, because, when it's all said and done, that's all that matters."

I agree with Collins, but I also think Major League Baseball went too far in ordering a "stand down" to wearing 9/11 commemorative hats. It is true that teams have requested alternate hats before, but this is a case ten years ago when guys like Mike Piazza and Derek Jeter forged bonds with the first responders, and their families, and have continued to do so one day of the season every year. 

What the league may be trying to avoid is a slippery slope. The Nationals tried to honor the fallen Navy SEALs by wearing commemorative hats, but MLB nixed that plan because it was not a league-wide plan, which is in their new policy.

"We reserve hats for national tributes, where every club is wearing them on the same day," league spokesman Pat Courtney told the Washington Post. "But we’re happy to work with clubs on alternatives."

The reality of it all is fans like to see these types of gestures, specifically the wearing of 9/11 first responders hats. It is a small but genuine gesture, and delivers a message of unity and resilience. 

The Baltimore Orioles are beginning to look at general manager candidates and the few whispers making their way up the I-495 are that former Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes is a leading candidate to be the teams next GM. Let's take a quick look at Byrnes and two others who are on the Orioles' radar. 

Josh Byrnes, VP Baseball Operations with Padres: Byrnes worked for the Red Sox, Rockies, and Indians before becoming the Dbacks GM, where he built a team with very solid pieces to contend with. He may not be credited with all of it, but he did wonders for the Diamondbacks who are now NL contenders. The Orioles would benefit from his eye and his hybrid approach in analysis. He would also bring a team of veteran executives along with him.  

Jim Hendry, former Cubs General Manager: Hendry is one of the most respected guys in baseball, and was also one of the longest tenured GMs before being fired last month. He did not spend very efficiently in the market, but he did come away with some good signings even if the bad ones outshine the good ones. His tendency to make trades can be seen throughout his tenure, and his eye for quality talent is apparent in the draft and in some crafty trades for players like Michael Barrett, Mark DeRosa, and Ryan Dempster.

Kim Ng, Major League Baseball: Ng is senior VP of baseball operations with Major League Baseball, but her named has been tossed around as a candidate in the past and she could leave her MLB gig to try and turn the Orioles around. 

David Forst, Oakland Athletics assistant General Manager: Forst has been "next in line" in Oakland for a while behind Billy Beane, but Beane remains in Oakland and could be there for a long time. Forst makes sense to be Oakland's next GM, unless the team decides to go a completely new route and clean house. He has a lot of Beane in him but is also a very talented executive, who could probably do a lot long-term for the Orioles. 

For those of you who may not have noticed, a baseball lifer and Oriole great Mike Flanagan past away yesterday at the age of 59. In an attempt to pay my respects to him, his family, friends, and fans, I thought it would be nice to repost the interview I conducted with him in 2008 at the Orioles spring training complex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I hope you enjoy it.

ELI: When did you first realize you might be drafted?

MIKE: Well, I was drafted twice. I was first drafted by Pat Gillick of the Astros out of high school, but I had a bad elbow at the time so I went to the University of Massachusetts. When the next draft came around for me I was pretty confident I was going to be drafted and I went in the seventh round.

ELI: You won the AL Cy Young in 1979, looking back on it, what was working for you that year?

MIKE: A pitcher name Scott McGregor helped me early on. I was mostly a two pitch pitcher early on in my career and you cannot survive as a starter with two pitches. I tried all sorts of grips to develop a change, but McGregor had a great change-up and helped me find one. It made all the difference. I had pitched four hundred innings against everyone without a change, so the next time I pitched, no one had seen it, and that made all the difference.

ELI: You played alongside Jim Palmer, what was that like early on in your career?

MIKE: I came up with Jim Palmer, and looking back on it, I was fortunate to play with him. It is not always the case that pitchers give out tips, but Palmer helped me a lot with psychology of it, and finding strengths and weaknesses.

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UPDATE (Sunday 2:33 CT): The Cubs will recall pitcher Casey Coleman to replace Zambrano. Coleman posted a 7.23 ERA and a 2-4 record before being optioned back to Iowa. In 12 starts in Triple-A he owns a 3.65 ERA and a 5-2 record.

UPDATE (3:22 CT): Paul Sullivan posted on his Twitter that the Cubs have placed Carlos Zambrano on the disqualified list, meaning he will not be paid or allowed contact with the team for 30 days. No word yet on who the Cubs will call up in his place. They do not have a viable starter waiting in the wings at Triple-A, but if they intend to look for the future they have several options who could receive a look.  

UPDATE (1:44 CT): Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Cubs are talking with the agents of Carlos Zambrano and will place him on the restricted list (for the second time in two seasons) if they cannot come to a successful resolution after his blow up yesterday. There's some speculation that the Cubs are trying to buyout Zambrano, but those reports have been confirmed by MLBDD as "not true." 

The Cubs want to find out what happened and if he will be returning this season, but Zambrano has not sent any letter of retirement to the MLB. 

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The Twins have offered outfielder Michael Cuddyer a two-year extension worth 16 million dollars, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The 32-year old outfielder has been in the Twins' organization since 1997, when he was taken with the 9th overall pick. Since then, he has compiled a career .273 batting average with a .345 OBP and .800 OPS, along with averaging about 15 home runs every season. 

Cuddyer is making 10.5 million dollars this season, but this deal would almost be a continuation of his last deal as his option was picked up in 2011 for 10.5. Prior to that option he had a three year deal worth 24 million dollars in place, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. 

Despite the slight pay cut, Cuddyer seems likely to take the deal. He has been through it all with this club and it's not like he has to flee the Metrodome anymore. However, there are several teams that would eye his services and likely pay up on the open market. 

With Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran bound for the Bay Area, reports indicate that the Phillies and Rangers are stepping up their efforts to land outfielder B.J. Upton. Multiple reports have said that pitching prospect Zack Wheeler will be the centerpiece of the deal, but no word on whether or not anyone else will be in the deal. The Phillies reportedly had Vince Worley on the table, but the Mets were hesitant to deal within the division.

Upton is hitting .227 with 15 home runs and a .307 on-base percentage in 97 games this season, and has seen his batting average decline every year since 2007. Still, the soon-to-be 27-year old has a bright future and could see a big turnaround going to a winning team. 

An NL source indicated that Astros outfielder Hunter Pence is off the market, making Upton now the most coveted outfielder on the market. Even though he is in a down year, he won't be a free agent until after the 2012 season and interest is only growing. Aside from the Rangers and Phillies, the Braves, Nationals, and Brewers have all expressed interest and could pull the trigger before Sunday.  

The Tigers have acquired third baseman Wilson Betemit from the Royals in exchange for two minor leaguers, according to FOXSPORTS.com. Betemit is hitting .281 with 3 home runs and a .341 on--base percentage in 57 games this season.

The Royals acquire lefty reliever Antonio Cruz, who has a 2-6 record with a 3.11 ERA this season, and catcher Julio Rodriguez, who is hitting .283 in Class A.

There were whispers that the Tigers were looking at Mets third baseman David Wright, but this trade indicates that the Tigers have a bigger move in mind or the Mets' asking price is too high for the Tigers. 

The latest out of Oakland is that the Athletics and Pirates are in discussion about a trade involving outfielder Josh Willingham. Willingham has been a decent outfielder over the past few years, compiling a .263 average and .362 OBP over six full seasons with the Marlins, Nationals, and A's. He has show the ability to hit 15+ home runs on a consistent basis, but his averaged has fluctuated. 

The Pirates are reportedly looking at left-handed reliever Craig Breslow as well, and it looks as if Garrett Jones would be out the door in any trade.

Are the Pirates, who are in first place by half a game, making the right move going after Willingham? Could they do better?

More after the jump. 

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The Angels are interested in acquiring Angels third baseman Aramis Ramirez, according to Ken Rosenthal on Twitter. Ramirez has stated he will not waive his no-trade clause under any circumstances, in large part because he has family in Chicago, but the move could be good for both sides going forward given the circumstances.  

Ramirez is in a walk year and likely won't return next season, despite his mid-season hot streak. Ramirez is hitting .300 with 16 home runs and a .346 on-base percentage, meaning he would bring back a nice return if the Cubs were willing to pay most of his remaining salary.

The only reason I would see Ramirez accepting a trade would be because he will likely be somewhere else next season, and he's joining a contender just 4.0 games out of first place. The 33-year old Ramirez could easily sign a two to three year deal if he can stay healthy the remainder of the season, and that could very easily happen with the Angels, who did in fact try to sign him back in 2007.

The Cubs are 13.0 games out of first, and share the second worst record in baseball with the Orioles and Royals. If they traded Ramirez for prospects and essentially (or officially) forfeited the season, it would give them an opportunity to play Jeff Baker, Blake DeWitt, DJ LeMahieu, and Ryan Flaherty around the infield and get a better idea of what they have for the future.     

The Red Sox are looking to fill some holes in their injury-striken pitching rotation and exploring options all across the league. Red Sox starters Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, and Daisuke Matsuzaka are on the disabled list, along with relief pitcher Rich Hill. They currently have Andrew Miller and Kyle Weiland filling in the rotation. 

The Red Sox are half game ahead of the Yankees and 5.5 games ahead of the Rays, so adding a veteran arm could make a huge difference going down the stretch. The Chicago Tribune reports the Red Sox are looking at Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, but considering what the Cubs gave up for him, the Red Sox would have to send a nice haul the Cubs' way. The Cubs could receive a package that includes Miller, former top prospect Lars Anderson, along with other near-MLB ready prospects. 

The Pirates owe pitcher Paul Maholm 9.5 million dollars next season if they pick up his option. They are only a half game back in the NL Central after today's win, but could get a nice return for Maholm, who owns a 2.96 ERA this season. The Pirates have been one of the best stories this season, and an aggressive move at the deadline could really make them believe over in Pittsburgh.

Another option out of the NL Central is Astros pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. The Red Sox once had mild interest in Hunter Pence, but adding an innings eater like Rodriguez, would likely come at a relatively low cost, but given the Astros current predicament, they might be able to land one or two nice prospects.

The Rockies, Athletics, and Dodgers, among others are expected to be selling at the deadline. 

The Brewers are reportedly going to give third baseman Mat Gamel a closer look at third base hoping to find a clear regular between the struggling Casey McGehee and Gamel. McGehee is hitting just .224 in 312 at-bats this season, a steep drop from his .285 line in 2010. 

Gamel has been mauling the ball in Triple-A this season, hitting .321 with 18 home runs through 293 at-bats. He has never hit for much success in the majors, but has hit consistently in the minors and is having a career year at the ripe age of 25.

McGehee had a strong first month but has not returned to those numbers at all. If Gamel has a strong run till the All-Star break, the Brewers could make McGehee available to gauge his overall interest. A team like the Tigers could benefit from a corner infielder who could give them 15+ home runs and hit for a respectable average. The Athletics and Padres are also possibilities in need of a corner infielder at a low cost. 

According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Rangers have interest in Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran. The Mets have discussed internally the idea of trading expensive players for a package of young talent, but no serious talks are underway as of yet. Both Beltran and third baseman David Wright are expected to hit the trade block after the All-Star break.

Beltran is hitting .278 this season with 10 home runs in 76 games, 12 more appearances than 2010 and just five less than his '09 totals. 

Word of the Rangers interest getting out will likely cause more speculation and force Beltran to consider the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause. He is in the last year of his contract making 18.5 million dollars, something the Mets would have to pick up to get more value back from the Rangers. They would have to package one of the MLB-ready arms along with at least two prospects. 

The Rangers are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline to maintain their tight lead over the Mariners and Angels. 

Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez resigned his managerial post today after going 1-17 in the month of June. There was speculation all week that he might be replaced, and Rodriguez may have axed himself before it came down on him.

Rodriguez was in his first full season with the Marlins, but he will be replaced by bench coach Brandon Hyde for the time being. Bo Porter is among the options to replace him, but given the Marlins standing in the division they may go a different route and find a more long-term option. 

Relievers all around the league are starting to garner interest as the trade deadline nears, especially veterans like the Cubs' Kerry Wood, Twins reliever Matt Capps, and Padres closer Heath Bell. All three pitchers are in unique positions with their current clubs, but that is not to say teams are not chomping at the bit to fortify their 'pen for the second half.

Wood is 1-3 with a 2.25 ERA in 24 appearances with the Cubs this season, and has posted a 1.47 ERA in his last 48 appearances (24 with the Yankees from '10). Wood signed at a bargain rate to return to Chicago, but the Cubs' woes and his team-friendly deal may lead to another trade. Wood has yet to consider the possibility, but teams like the Phillies and Diamondbacks are exploring the possibility and are believed to have interest. Wood, however, may be heading for the 15-day disabled list with a blister. 

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FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that recently released infielder Bill Hall is already drawing interest from multiple teams. The Orioles, dealing with the injury of Brian Roberts, could use Hall at second base until he returns and then convert him to a super utility role, a role he has been successful in. 

Hall was hitting a disappointing .224 this season for the Astros, but would be coming at a bargain and pro-rated. The Nationals also have peripheral interest, but have Jerry Hairston who would fill the same role once Ryan Zimmerman returns.

Rosenthal also mentions the Yankees' interest, but I doubt they are very serious considering the fact that AL sources say they are already sizing up the trade market in hopes of making some small, positive moves. 

Third baseman Mike Moustakas has been promoted from Triple-A Omaha, according to Bob Dutton on Twitter. Moustakas, 22, is hitting .287 with 10 home runs and a .347 on-base percentage in 55 games at Triple-A. 

The Royals now have an arsenal of offensive guns with Eric Hosmer, Billy Butler, and now left fielder Alex Gordon. The Royals are 8.5 games back and hope their four first-round picks can turn the Royals into a winning franchise. 

The Athletics have fired manager Bob Geren and announced that Bob Melvin would be taking over as interim manager, according to the A's official Twitter.

More details soon...

One of the classiest moves to date coming from the Rule IV draft today with the Texas Rangers drafting Georgia outfielder Johnathan Taylor, who was partially-paralyzed in an outfield collision this year, according to CNN.com.

The Rangers have been keeping tabs on Taylor since he was in high school, and most area scouts begin to form relationships with these players in order to closely monitor their progress. Area scout Ryan Coe and Taylor formed a close bond and the Rangers always liked his passion and ability. 

"We thought selecting Johnathan was the right thing to do," Kip Flagg, the Rangers’ director of amateur scouting, wrote in a statement. "We would have drafted him either way, regardless of any other circumstances involving his injury or Zach’s draft status.

Taylor hopes to walk again, but doctors say most people with injuries like his don't regain full use of their legs. The Rangers also drafted Georgia outfielder and first-round pick Zach Cone, who was involved in the collision with Taylor. He was thrilled to hear about the Rangers move.

"I was already planning on going over to see him, and now we can talk about the Rangers," Cone said after hearing Taylor was drafted, according to Georgia. "This made my day. It’s just awesome, and I’m so happy for him." 

Most players have an idea of who has been looking at them come draft day, and whether or not that trail is a long one, for the Rangers to select him, regardless of whether he plays again or not, is an extremely moving gesture. 

ESPN.com is reporting that teammates of young Braves outfielder Jason Heyward are starting to get frustrated with his prolonged absence. Heyward, who has been on the disabled list since May 22, has stated he will not return until he feels his shoulder is completely healed. Meanwhile, veterans are taking note and it is setting up for an awkward locker room environment if he does not return soon.

"What Jason needs to realize is that Jason at 80 percent is a force, and Jason at 80 percent is better than a lot of people in this league," Chipper Jones said. "And that there are a bunch of his teammates that are out there playing with discomfort and not healthy, and still going at it."

The Braves have never been an organization to let clubhouse issues spill over into the public, but it looks like some of the veterans want to wake up the sleeping giant. 

MLB.com's Bill Ladsen reports that the Nationals remain interested in Rays outfielder B.J. Upton. Upton, 26, is hitting .228 in 193 at-bats this season, with 7 home runs, 12 steals, and a .324 on-base percentage. The Rays are only three games out of first place, with still much of the season left to be played. It would not make sense for the Rays to trade him unless their was an heir apparent or Upton was still playing so bad and the return would cover them in the long-run. 

The Nationals do not have too much to offer the Rays. They are reliant on their young pitching core and major offensive pieces need to be protected. Outfielder Jayson Werth is coming off a May in which he hit .287, bringing his average up to .254. If the Nats are willing to spend big on an outfielder, the return better be superior to what they are giving up (see Cubs' trade for Matt Garza). Upton could be entering his prime, but he has not had a year like '07 since, so the Nats may be able to buy low and hope a switch to the NL East changes things for the better.

A better option for the Nats would be to target Dodgers' outfielder Matt Kemp. Kemp is having a phenomenal year, and is making just 6.95 million dollars. For the Dodgers, however, they may need to shed cash and bring in some quality young talent, likely to the dismay of fans. 

The Astros released second baseman Bill Hall today to clear up some space in the middle infield, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Hall was having a disappointing season for the 'Stros, posting a .224 average through 147 at-bats. To make room for an extra outfielder, Jason Bourgeois, as well give playing time to young infielder Angel Sanchez behind starter Jeff Keppinger, someone had to go and it was the spare veteran infielder. Hall declined comment.

"I don't know if he was going to get an opportunity here, with Keppinger coming back and playing real well and [Angel] Sanchez needed some time, as well," Astros manager Brad Mills said. "We hope this is an opportunity for him to get some time and be able to go and play some place."

Hall's best years were in 2005 and 2006, but his numbers have not even come close since. Hall, 31, will likely find more work this season but he does not necessarily have to because he is making three million dollars in '11 with 250,000 dollar buyout for 2012. 

Red Sox left-hander Rich Hill will seek a second opinion on what reports are calling a very serious injury in his throwing elbow. Hill has struggled with his mechanics and command in recent years, but appeared to have found his niche as the lefty specialist out of the 'pen. He has allowed a run in eight innings and has struck out twelve to just three walks. 

One could easily watch Hill pitch and get uncomfortable by his delivery. He comes over the top with his body but will drop to three-quarters and sometimes sidearm-submarine depending on the pitch he is throwing. He worked hard to keep hitters uncomfortable, but only saw the success when two or more of his pitchers were effective. 

Now it looks like he will have a long road back to recovery, joining Daisuke Matsuzaka on the shelf for the next year or so. Can the Red Sox sustain any more injuries to its pitching staff? 

UPDATE: Will Carroll is reporting on Twitter that Matsuzaka will indeed have season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Matsuzaka will have Tommy John surgery. Done for '11, will miss some of '12 as well.

2012 marks the last year of the contract he signed with Boston in December of 2006. This effectively ends his tenure with the team and secures his position as possibly the 2nd worst move in Red Sox history.

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