While there were grand plans to broadcast our first live video episode of Fireside Chats to the Internets, my audio recording software and our Google Plus Hangout got along as well as Fern Cuza and Ben Cherrington. Since recorded audio is of higher priority to the lifeblood of a podcast than live video, we aborted and went back to the standard recording methods — but rest assured, we will make this happen in 2012.

This week, Fire Brand’s own Chip Buck joins Paul and I as we review the Yankees pitching acquisitions, the Red Sox luxury tax problems and Carl Crawford’s wrist. Should the Red Sox have been in on Michael Pineda? Is Roy Oswalt a potential answer? Who will play right field?

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

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To quote Emerson Lake and Palmer, welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends…another year is upon us and Paul and I are happy to ring it in with another year of podcasting here at Fire Brand of the American League!

In our first show of 2012, we focus on the job Ben Cherrington has done (re)building this team. From the newcomers in the bullpen — Andrew Bailey and Mark Melancon — to the old friends moving to new places in the rotation — Daniel Bard and Alfredo Aceves — Paul and I are both optimistic that Ben’s making all the right moves so far this offseason.

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
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With the breaking news that Bobby Valentine is indeed about to be announced as the 45th manager of the Boston Red Sox, Paul and Tim take to the airwaves with instant reaction. Unlike much of the media or the court of public opinion, the Fireside Chats crew is prepared to give Bobby V a chance to tell us who he is and what he has come to Boston to do. Both of our co-hosts agree that given the world of possible outcomes, Bobby Valentine certainly isn’t a bad one. Is he ultimately the right man for the job? We’ll just have to see…

What does the hiring of Valentine mean for Ben Cherrington and Larry Lucchino? What does the signing of Jonathan Broxton by the Royals to a one year, $4 million dollar deal say about Daniel Bard’s future? Will David Ortiz agree to arbitration and stay with the Red Sox for one more season?

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
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While Jonathan Papelbon put the Red Sox in his rear view mirror, the Red Sox organization may have another strong personality in Bobby Valentine square in their managerial sights. Paul and Tim react to the career of Papelbon in Boston and the possible strategies, including the role of Daniel Bard, the Red Sox may employ to fill the gap in the ninth inning.

Next, they turn their attention to the managerial search process. Was Dale Sveum the guy or is Bobby Valentine actually the best fit for the 2012 Boston Red Sox?

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
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With our hero departed and off to Chicago, Paul and I turn to the his replacement in cautious awe. While noone can truly replace Theo in our hearts, Ben is off to a pretty good start as he acquitted himself nicely in his first 48 hours as the GM of the Boston Red Sox.

After dissecting every word uttered in his press conference and seemingly countless radio and TV appearances, we look ahead to the tasks at hand for building a successful team in 2012 from the managerial search — where Paul makes a case for Joe Torre — to rebuilding the starting rotation — where a fight over the prospect of Daniel Bard moving to the rotation ensues.

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
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In the search for all the answers to all the unanswered questions surrounding the Boston Red Sox, Paul and I turn to the one and only Chip Buck of our very own Fire Brand family. Paul and I greet Chip by holding nothing back with our guest host and asking him for opinions on everything from assessing the state of the front office to looking forward to the 2012 roster.

Were John Henry and Larry Lucchino behind the “Globe leaks”? Which current Red Sox won’t be with the team next year? What type of players do the Red Sox need to turn themselves into a playoff team in 2012?

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
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We interrupt your regularly scheduled podcasting to dissect the breaking news of the evening — Theo Epstein is on the brink — or is it the cusp — of leaving the Boston Red Sox for the “greener pastures” of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs.

Paul and I look at the impacts of such a move on the organization, Theo’s legacy and ask “where do we go from here?”.

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
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Well, the season ended with a poetic justice as grotesque for Red Sox fans as 2004′s season ending was awesome. Unfortunately, the carnage that was September of 2011 didn’t end with Jonathan Papelbon walking off the mound in Baltimore. What would transpire of the following few days was as critical and possibly more damaging to the Red Sox future as the crushing on-field losses that kept the Red Sox out of the post season for the second straight season.

Paul and I talk about the collapse, the fractured clubhouse, the firing of Tito Francona, the future of Theo Epstein and which players should be taking blame and staying or going in 2012.

You may be surprised to hear the names of some of the players and front office members whose heads we come calling for as we vent along with all of you.

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
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Over the past month, Paul and I had been focusing on the big finish. We’d been planning playoff previews and World Series celebration episodes. Just like Darnell McDonald, we dropped the ball. Unlike JD Drew however, we have returned.

There’s an odd calm over the crew given the context that the season finds us in. Both Paul and I are optimistic in the Red Sox playoff chances. From there, it all falls on the arms of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon. Under most circumstances, that should make you feel confident enough.

Unfortunately, these aren’t most circumstances. Join us as we talk ourselves into a little bit of optimism down the stretch.

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
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After taking two of three from the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins with a fair share of drama in each, the Red Sox continue to make their case as the team to beat in the American League. Paul and I open the show with alot of Yankees talk flush with CC Sabathia analysis and Jonathan Papelbon/Mariano Rivera comparisons.

Of course, things can never be without any controversy in Red Sox Nation — enter David Ortiz’ contract situation. Should the Red Sox offer Papi a contract? If so, when and for how much? You’ll just have to listen to find out.

All that and more on this episode of Fireside Chats.

Thanks for listening!

• Leave us a voice mail to be played on the air at 603-709-4846
• Follow Paul (@ptesta9) and Tim (@tdaloisio) on Twitter
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• Listen, subscribe to us on iTunes, review the show, tell your friends, spread the word: (this will launch iTunes).