Scott Boras would "modernize" World Series

If Scott Boras had his way (and, let's face it, he gets his way all too often), he'd change the structure of the World Series.

"I'd modernize it, make it five out of nine games, with the first two in a neutral city. Announce the MVP and Cy Young awards at a gala held between the playoffs and a new World Series weekend. Move the home-run contest from the All-Star game to that week too.

"The gala and home-run derby would lead to Game 1 of the Series on Saturday, with Game 2 on Sunday. Then the Series would go on with the final seven games in the Series teams' cities. This way, different places get part of the Series. I want the World Series in Pittsburgh, Texas, Seattle. Teams in those markets would sell more season tickets. World Series weekend would be a major stage for corporate events; it could advance the game to the next level."

The economics of the game heavily favor the big spenders over the small-market teams despite the occasional exception to the rule like the Rays last year.

So, I love the idea. That being said, I still hate Boras.

Sox tell Varitek to take it or leave it

The U.S. (and rest of the world for that matter) is experiencing challenging economic times. Moreover, an economic turnaround is not expected any time soon.

While players such as C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira and their new deals seem to defy the current global economic environment, the market for free agents has been affected. Just ask Manny Ramirez. And Jason Varitek.

Varitek, the Red Sox captain, has been offered a $5 million deal from the team. The deal includes an option for a second year that would be worth $5 million if the Sox exercise it and $3 million if Varitek does.

Varitek, who turned down arbitration on December 7th, would have earned somewhere between $10-$12 million for 2009.

Varitek's agent, the uber-jerk Scott Boras, thought he could "create a market" for Varitek.

Varitek had career lows in batting average (.220), OBP (.313), slugging percentage (.359) and OPS (.672) in 2008.

With a little more than 2 weeks to go before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, it would be wise for Varitek to accept the Sox' offer, which the team says is good until Friday.