This is Boof.

By: Jess Lander, YawkeyTalkies Editor

The Red Sox have been busy in the offseason hustle today. They acquired two players, Max Ramirez and Boof Bonser. The biggest question among fans seems to be: Does Max have some relation to Manny, and what the hell is a Boof?

I didn’t know either. So I did some research.

The Red Sox are in the process of trading Mike Lowell for Texas Ranger’s catcher Max Ramirez. And while we say in the process because the deal isn’t quite finalized, it’s looking pretty done, just awaiting approval. By trading Lowell, the Sox are saving a mere $3 million off of Lowell’s $12 million salary. This trade can be seen in different lights. For one, the thirty-six-year-old is getting old, and on top of that hasn’t been the same since his hip surgery that sidelined him for much of last season. He’s definitely not as mobile as he used to be at third base. However, he is a good hitter. Last season he averaged .290 with 17 homeruns, and 75 RBI’s, and has a career average of .280.

For the Rangers, Lowell would play designated hitter and part-time first base (which he’s never played before).

The real question is whether or not Lowell should stay but whether or not Max Ramirez is worth giving Lowell up. Now, who is Max Ramirez? No, unfortunately he’s not Manny’s younger brother, and he certainly doesn’t hit like it. Reasons why this might not be the most rewarding trade: 1.) Ramirez isn’t even the Rangers starting catcher, he’s third string. 2.) He’s really not that impressive. With one and part of a second season of experience, he averaged .217 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI’s. Lowell is clearly the better hitter. 3.). Ramirez injured both wrists last season, only getting in 76 games. So, he’s rusty. 4.) Saving $3 million dollars is nothing in baseball salary talk. 5.) Do we even need a catcher? We have Victor Martinez, however, only for this next season, unless we sign an extension (which would be in our best interest.) Jason Veritek picked up his $3 million player option, so he’s option B. This might only be helpful in 2011, if we lose both.

Red Sox also acquired pitcher Boof Bonser from Twins for a yet-to-be-named player. He is a right hander, was 18-25 in his career with the Twins with a 5.12 ERA. He missed the entire 2009 season after having surgery on his pitching arm. So, coming off of a season-long injury, he likely will havea good deal of rust to work off too.

But I think there is one question we all have. And the answer is: No, Boof’s mother did not name him Boof. She in fact gave him a nice, tame, common name: John Paul. John changed his name legally after the 2001 season. Rumor has it, it’s a nickname he’s had since childhood. ESPN.com awarded him the best nickname in baseball. But, the only clever thing I can see about it is the alliteration. Also, Boof rhymes with Goof, and Doof(us).

What you can expect to hear from Fenway Park: “Booooooof!” But, that’s ripping of Youk. Hopefully fans get more creative, but he does make it easier for opposing fans to “Boooo” him.

My thoughts on these two moves? Oooof.

Discuss your thoughts on the forum.

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