If you could sign one free agent...
by britsoxfan on Oct 20, 2008 4:59 AM EDT
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PrintThis being a Red Sox fansite, as soon as the final out of the season is made, our thoughts turn to re-tooling for next year. Fire up the hot stove, people.
We were a very good team this year. Probably the second best team in MLB (though I know the run differential tells a slightly different story). While we are aging in some key positions, we have both the money and the prospects to sustain our success.
Let's look at the free agents first of all, before we come up with creative trades for Tim Lincecum and Ryan Braun. Pick your priority free agent in the attached poll. If I've missed one out, chose Other and state your choice below.
Here's an apparently full list of FAs for reference, though I've spotted an error or two.
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NB Dunn theoretically can accept arbitration from the Diamondbacks,
but that’s unlikely.
"no1 has time to read your long comments, are you writing a book?"
For the record, I voted for Teixeira.
I was against the Lowell signing at the time, and it looks like even more of a liability now, even allowing for the 2007 WS MVP. Loading your roster with aging vets is the mistake the Yankees have made.
"no1 has time to read your long comments, are you writing a book?"
I did, too.
The bottom third of our line-up was toothless, and Ortiz was an out in the heart of the order. I wonder if things would have gone differently if 3-6 was Youk, Drew, Bay, Ortiz. Kotsay and Varitek alone stranded 30 men during the ALCS. Talk about momentum killing! Certainly a healthy Lowell or another solid hitter increases our depth tremendously.
I still advocate re-signing ’Tek to a 2 or 3 year deal (at a lower salary) to mentor a young catcher and phase into a back-up roll. That also requires acquiring a catching prospect who has a higher ceiling than the guys who are currently in our system. Teagarden would be my pick.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
I don't want to get carried away,
but honestly, what can Varitek bring? I don’t subscribe to this idea of being a mentor. And certainly not when you get locked into a two or three year deal for someone who can’t hit and whose defence is a failing asset.
I want no piece of Tek on our club any more. It would be Posada redux, without the upside. Ugh.
"no1 has time to read your long comments, are you writing a book?"
He was actually pretty good.
Kotsay was hitting pretty well in the playoffs, although he managed to hit a lot of line drives that were caught. He hit 3 doubles in the ALCS, and was 3 for 10 in the ALDS. His key double in game five allowed him to score the tying run against the Rays.
Considering he wasn’t hitting anything in September, I was impressed by his performance.
"It's just a tiny little nick, but it hurts when I get champagne in there."
- Jason Bay, on getting spiked scoring the winning run in ALDS Game Four.
V-Mart
IMO, we match up extremely well with the Indians on a trade for Victor Martinez or re-acquiring Shoppach. If Lowell is healthy, the Indians have a need for a right handed hitter, and a 3rd baseman. I completely understand we would obviously have to part with more, but just seems like a nice fit.
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey, Matzushocka
Long time, no blog.
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
I was at the game last night :( just been really busy this summer.
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
New account? You forget your old password?
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
lol yeah, and probably have changed email since this past feb.
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
You missed all the trolling.
LouietheLip is still here, though. Manny Hater, I-Hate-Boston, Red Sux hater. We scared the latter three away.
BoSox415 is my universal name for revery account I make, except for e-mail. I chose me email when i was six. I also have the same password for all BoSox415 accounts….
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
I see good ole NG is still here. He kept bitching last year all the way up to game 7 of the ALCS then vanished.
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Still cracks me up
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/bottsimons/old_man_yells_at_cloud.jpg
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
Good times.
It’s my initials and birthdate, BTW. Plain and Simple.
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
No word of a lie,
we still had a black and white TV when I was six.
"no1 has time to read your long comments, are you writing a book?"
Oh yeah, we still had standard definition TV when I was six!
[pauses to marvel at the thought]
Wait, we still do now. My family’s cheap.
Tex and CC
are the only two who’d constitute an upgrade. So I’d take either of them.
And Yu Darvish, if he is in fact coming over.
Yes, Tex blocks Lars, eventually, but maybe after next year we can use someone in the logjam as a chip for a stud catcher/Jessica Alba/etc.
I assume we have to bring back Tek, but only if he and Boras are responsible. I would be curious to explore our trade options on the catching front.
Manny ain't the only bad man.
Lars
By the time Lars is ready to play for the Sox Ortiz will probably be on his way out. So he could play DH and we could keep Tex’s stellar defense at 1B.
by Gnick on Oct 20, 2008 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
No competition
At least Boras won’t be able to start a bidding war over Veritek. I think a two-year, $16MM deal would be generous, and beat out all other bidders by a long shot. Seriously, who else would pay that for Tek
Hmm... if we trade the "someone in the logjam" for the second option,
would we be splitting the return? If so, I’ll take the catcher. Too many people to make the second trade a viable one.
Remember when we were kids and we mixed sodas together and called them "suicides"? It was OK though, because Dr. Pepper was always there.
Derek Lowe
Lowe says his preferred team is the Red Sox. Assuming he would give us a reasonable deal. He seems like a good sign.
You want to see the “Derek Lowe face” again? He seems like he’s matured, but I still worry about his off-the-field debauchery. The Red Sox have become a more professional team without completely removing fun and goofiness, and I think that helps them focus on baseball.
Also, isn’t Dodger’s Stadium a cavernous park? You have to remember that he’d be coming back from the NL.
I like the Red Sox rotation, and I’m optimistic that Buchholz or Masterson will be able to step into the back of the rotation. It’s safe to say the Masterson is in the Bigs to stay one way or another.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
In an interview he stated he wanted to play for a team that has a real chance at contending. He seems hungry to win, to me that sounds like a good attitude. He pitched well for us before and now he would be lower in the rotation (4 or 5) he will give us alot of wins and alot of innings.
It seems like the Sox plan for Masterson is in the bullpen. Buch and Bowden will get sparatic starts for us next year but we still need a 5th starter. You can never have too much pitching.
Rich Harden
He was outright nasty for the Cubs. That 11.01 K/9 on the season is nothing to shy away from. Masterson’s ready, Buchholz might still need a little more time, I can’t imagine Wake will be coming back out there, Schilling ??, and Bartolo’s sitting on the beach. You can always use another solid starter, and Harden has the stuff. Only question is, can he stay healthy. Same for Ben Sheets.
by A2004LoveAffair on Oct 20, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions
Yeah, Harden is very nasty
and he’s done it in both leagues, with the A’s and Cubs. He’d be a great pickup.
Does everyone assume the Yankees will sign C.C.? I’m hoping he goes to the west coast and away from N.Y. Manny, too – I don’t want him to come back and haunt us. Hope the Dodgers re-sign him.
Signing Varitek for three years is ridiculous. We need new blood at that position. You can’t be sentimental about guys like Tek, Papi and Lowell in the AL East: it’s just too competitive and you need to keep upgrading, or be left behind. Hopelly, Mikey will be healthy next year but at his age, he’s not going to get better unless he sees Barry Bond’s “doctor.”
One last statement: you can’t have enough pitching; it’s not just a cliche. Stop counting on Buchholz. He needs time. Schill, Wakefield and probably Colon are done and should retire. Masterston is another story, but it appears Tito/Theo are happy with him as the setup man.
by ccthemovieman on Oct 20, 2008 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't know if the Yankees will bite
Manny is from the Bronx and has always wanted to play for his hometown team. Still, I can’t see the Yankees paying that much money for yet another aging outfielder, moreover one who can’t field.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
Manny grew up a Blue Jays fan
He never rooted for the MFY.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Harden not available
The cubs excercised his option for 09
Derek Lowe
If he stopped the drinking. I know the FO likely won’t go after him, but he would be a nice pitcher to have back.
Adam Dunn would be lovely, but we’d have to get rid of Papi. And why would we do that?
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
My thoughts on the listed players:
- CC Sabathia — WAY too much money
- Mark Teixeira — Problem here is Lowell. Youk would go to 3rd (where he isn’t nearly as good a defender) and Lowell would be out of a job. Would the Sox actually do that?
- Adam Dunn — Where does he go? How many times will he strike out?
- Ben Sheets — I’ll take a chance if he’s cheap.
- AJ Burnett — Too much money.
- Jason Varitek — The biggest question of the offseason…
- K-Rod — Money + where do we put him?
- Richie Sexson — Ummm, no.
Youk at 3B
I thought Youk was stellar at 3B whenever it was asked of him this season. I’d have no trouble playing him at the hot corner if it meant Teixeira at 1B.
Sorry, Mike Lowell. You’re a role model for all little leaguers, and I like you a bunch, but Teixeira will do more for the Red Sox.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
10 years
is what he wants. No way im giving Tex a 10 year deal, that would mean he is locked up to 39 years old. That would basically put the Red Sox in the current Yankee situation in around 5 years. No thanks.
7 years, sure. anything more and the Yankees can have him.
CC
Might just be worth the money, even if the deal is 7yrs 150mil. The only problem is I expect the Yankees to offer him 7yrs 220mil or something crazy like that.
by Gnick on Oct 20, 2008 12:33 PM EDT reply actions
Lefty's in Fenway generally are a bad thing.
Lester somehow managed to avoid a blowup till recently.
Remember when we were kids and we mixed sodas together and called them "suicides"? It was OK though, because Dr. Pepper was always there.
I worry about CC
I think his weight at his age is an injury waiting to happen. i’m not trying to be mean, i’m just saying that a man’s knees can only take so much pressure. Any team that signs him will have a very expensive DL pitcher
Injury concerns
Sabathia has never once failed to pitch at least 180 innings in his major league career. He has been nothing if not durable since he was called up from the minors.
by Gnick on Oct 20, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Due for a break down, then.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
CC should stay in the NL
It would be in his best interest to stay in the National League. He dominated facing a pitcher 2-3 times a game. Strike out totals sky rocketed and ERA plummeted. I see the Dodgers making a stab at CC. Or possibly Houston.
by A2004LoveAffair on Oct 22, 2008 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Tex
The Sox should IMO:
1) Sign Teixeria if they can, but only a 7 year deal. If the MFY want to give him the 10 year deal, that’s their mistake.
2) Sign either D. Lowe, Ben Sheets or someone in the “B” range of pitchers for the #4 slot.
3) Trade Clay Buchholz for a young catcher + other stuff.
4) Move Julio Lugo and pay some of his money.
5) Trade Coco to the Cubs for one of their middle relief pitchers, preferably S. Gallagher.
6) Sign AJ Burnett if everything else does not work out.
7) Post for Yu Darvish.
With the recession coming and probably lasting for a while, most ballplayers will sign the biggest deals they can get. Which means get used to CC and Teixeria as Yankees bc rumors are they are offering 10yrs 200 million to Teixeria and 18-20 mill a year for CC. Those deals are done.
Peavy will stay in the NL.
How is the recession going to hurt the players?
The minimum salary for an MLB player during the 2008 season was $390,000. I don’t have an economics degree, but I’m pretty sure that they won’t be filing for bankruptcy anytime soon. Well unless they are completed retarded…
Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.
it wont hurt
the players but with a recession do you see CC or Teixeria leaving 25 million on the table? No way. Yankees will make the biggest offers if the Sox or Mets do not get involved.
Its inevitable that the Yankees get 1 or both Tex and CC, bc of money and if they do not get CC they will overspend for Sheets or Burnett.
My point was more that the Yankees will offer more and with a long recession coming, players will not be willing to give home town discounts or discounts to stay in the NL or West Coast or whatever.
I think I know what you're saying
and I think it has more to do with the spending markets that the Yankee’s have rather than the smaller markets – therefore giving the home town discounts. Makes sense.
But taking a $25 mil contract because of the recession just seems like an unlikely possibility. The Yankee’s have always offered outrageous deals and players have decided not to join the evil empire (not very often though). It’s all about the individual player’s values. They could be all about the money and years on the contract (Johnny Damon ring a bell?), or they can decide to follow their hearts and play for the teams they enjoy playing for.
In the end it comes down to what the player wants, unless Scott Boras has anything to say about it……
Man do I hate Longhorn fans, well except for the ones that actually went there.
On Tex.
Mark Teixeira is a beast. He’s a great offensive player, and his defense is very impressive (during the ALDS, he stole at least three doubles from our players). But being the best position player in Free Agency means he’s looking for big money, and will get it.
I expect Theo to pursue Tex hard only if Ortiz’s injury is serious, and/or Lowell’s surgery doesn’t go well. Otherwise, with Lars Anderson in the pipeline, the Red Sox might only bid up Tex for the other teams, not pursue him intently.
"It's just a tiny little nick, but it hurts when I get champagne in there."
- Jason Bay, on getting spiked scoring the winning run in ALDS Game Four.
My thoughts exactly
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Lowell's surgery went well
No complications, according to the surgeons.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
And Ortiz doesn't need surgery.
Good times.
"It's just a tiny little nick, but it hurts when I get champagne in there."
- Jason Bay, on getting spiked scoring the winning run in ALDS Game Four.
I voted for Burnett.
I’ll discuss this in greater detail in another venue, but I think he’s got more potential than the other FA starters. He led the league in K’s (231) and pitched a lot of innings against tough AL East competition. He was particularly effective against both the Yankees and Sox, and performed well on the road.
Ben Sheets is a career national leaguer who has put up his big numbers in the NL Central, one of the weakest . He has the same injury concerns as Burnett, but may also have trouble transitioning to the AL (a la Beckett).
CC Sabathia, in addition to commanding a king’s ransom in salary, has WAY too many innings on his arm. Also his playoff credentials are less than spectacular. He’s a great pitcher, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see his arm fall off in the next few years.
Burnett is the value play. His injury concerns may scare off other clubs, and he’ll be second fiddle to Sabathia and Peavy most of the offseason. If I’m Theo, Burnett is my guy.
"It's just a tiny little nick, but it hurts when I get champagne in there."
- Jason Bay, on getting spiked scoring the winning run in ALDS Game Four.
I agree with all of your points. And even though you can never have too much pitching, I think Teixeira could potentially add more than Burnett to the Red Sox.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
It depends on the type of deal
If Burnett will sign for 3 or 4 years he is FAR more valuable than the 10 year deal Teixeria is claiming he wants.
I have to agree with 0157H7 on this, CC is too costly, Sheets is hurt all the time, Burnett will go cheaper for less years and has proven he can pitch successfully in the AL east.
10 years, think about that deal. Teixeria would be a Sox until 39 years old.
But there is a chance he could still be a suitable DH. He's a different body type to Ortiz
and started off at 3B. He’s a whole different proposition when it comes to aging.
Mind you, fat chance of his getting 10 years. That’s just Boras’s opening salvo. Seven is more likely.
"no1 has time to read your long comments, are you writing a book?"
Agreed with brit.
His skills could erode with age, but my guess is he’s near as good a bet as A-Rod for health over a long contract, barring some freak/fluke thing.
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Dr. Pepper is a doctor?"
Youk-Tex-Lowell-Papi
I don’t see any way we can juggle these 4 players between 1B, 3B, and DH unless there is some sort of major injury (knock on wood). What do you think Lowell’s trade value is? I’m assuming we’d be selling low.
Drew plays center
Youk in left, Bay in right, Lowell at third, Tex at first.
Until Drew and Lowell get hurt.
Manny ain't the only bad man.
What about Coco and Ellsbury? I don’t think the Sox are ready to give up on Jacoby.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
Trade one
And the other is our fourth OF until someone gets hurt.
Between Papi, Lowell and Drew, we lost over half a season to injuries. I think we can get by with a crowded roster, I think it’d be worth it to have Tex in the middle of our line-up.
Manny ain't the only bad man.
Wait, we trade one, that leaves:
LF: Bay
CF: ?
RF: Drew
Bench: Coco/Ells
Who’s the CF? Secret plans?
If we got Tex
then we would need to juggle it even more when Lars is called up. Just something to think about.
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
I think the Sox will be conservative with Lars
Unless he’s tearing it up and an injury creates a need at 1b or dh. I think Lowell’s contract’ll be up by the time the Sox are really ready to turn a full-time job over to him. Just turned 21, for pete’s sake.
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Dr. Pepper is a doctor?"
It's also not a foregone conclusion that Youks would be the one to stay.
If Lars seems like a sure thing offensively, along the lines of a top 5 offensive 1b, the idea of trading Youks for a high-ceiling, moderate-risk young pitcher (if such a player is available at that time) wouldn’t bother me too much. We certainly would, at any point, be selling low on Lowell. Youks would be more likely to bring back an excellent player for any position of need we might have at that point.
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Dr. Pepper is a doctor?"
I've also heard the
not so wild idea of trying to get Youks to convert to LF after 2009, to accommodate Lars. So it’d be:
1b Lars, 2b DP, 3b Lowell, ss Lowrie, lf Youks, cf Ells, rf Drew, dh Papi, c (oh god not ’Tek)
If Ells comes around to a .360-.370 OBP, that could be a heckuva lineup, and I think Youks could learn to play the Monster pretty well, though I think he would be a bit stretched in some of the bigger ballparks.
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Dr. Pepper is a doctor?"
Bay
Why not re-sign Bay after 2009? He has handled himself quite well since he arrived.
by Gnick on Oct 20, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Trading Youk and sticking with Lowell is just bad baseball management
I’m sorry.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Is it?
If we HAVE to trade one, and we have a need at SP or something, would you want to trade Lowell and eat the contract, or get a potentially great SP back for the younger cheaper Youks?
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Dr. Pepper is a doctor?"
yes, it is
Lowell should retire.
Youkilis is the best all-around player on the team. You don’t trade your best player!
I'll bet Theo
regrets signing Lowell to a 4-year deal. Mike is a great guy, but come on…..
by ccthemovieman on Oct 20, 2008 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Keep Youk, and develop one of our young SP
Also, come on, you know Youk isn’t likely to get us a top young SP. I know Delmon Young did that but, really, that was one of the worst trades ever and GMs will be trying to avoid that.
As RickD said, you don’t trade your best player. Youk is a great 1b/3b, and we need him. There are 2 SPs I’d be willing to trade Youk for: Timmy Lincecum and Cole Hamels. Both aren’t going to happen, so let’s just keep him.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I have to agree
Youk is “no-Trade” to me. The answer is simple in my mind, lol this is why its probably not gonna happen…
Sign Teixeria for 7 or 8 years, move Youk to 3rd, ask Lowell to play a backup role and try Youk in RF and LF as a replacement. Lowell retires after 09’
SP is extremely abundant this year. The Sox could sign D. Lowe or Sheets or someone on that level and then post for Darvish and have a pretty amazing rotation.
Love Derek Lowe to come back, but only at right price.
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
rotation
We have a lot of flexibility with our pitching, but I think we need to make a SP acquisition a priority. Currently:
1. Beckett
1A. Lester
3. Dice-K
Spots 4 and 5 are very much up in the air. As I see it we have options to fill these two spots:
a.) Resign Wake ($4MM acceptable, but not ideal)
b.) Use Buccholz, Masterson, Bowden (I’d rather keep J.M. in the pen, start the other two in AAA and use them as fill-ins/spot starters)
c.) Free Agents (Sabathia, Burnett, Sheets, Lowe)
d.) Trades (Probably can’t get Peavy for anything less than Buccholz, L. Anderson, & Bowden. I know nothing else about good pitchers available for trade)
Thoughts?
On Trading Youk
Youkilis is perhaps the best offensive player on the team. He may not lead the team in home runs or even RBIs, but he has the most consistent plate approach, a terrific eye for the strike zone, and is really a lynch-pin for starting/maintaining rallies. More than that, Youk is relatively young and cost-controlled.
I think it would be utterly foolish to trade Youk.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
In fact...
…Youk did lead the team in those offensive categories (29HR, 115RBI). Not to mention .312 avg, 390 obp, 569 slg. And probably a second consecutive gold glove on top of that. Remind me again why somebody would give that up? Youkilis is the man.
He’s our best hitter, he’s a gold glove defender, and he has one of the best competitive attitudes I have ever seen. He is our 1B for the next 6+ years.
Well, pete lost his job a while ago.
I mean, everyone is always having to defend him, for Christ’s sake.
Remember when we were kids and we mixed sodas together and called them "suicides"? It was OK though, because Dr. Pepper was always there.
What about Bard?
He’s not so great with the knuckleball catching, but he’s pretty good other wise from what I’ve seen. Only problem is his Tek/Cash-like bat.
Remember when we were kids and we mixed sodas together and called them "suicides"? It was OK though, because Dr. Pepper was always there.
Eh. That ship sailed, as far as I'm concerned.
And most reports are pretty sour on his defense on the whole. If we’re going to try for offense at the position with a FA, (NOT SUGGESTING THIS) I’d rather see if Michael Barrett could have a resurgence. But really, no to both.
"Are you a real doctor, or a doctor like Dr. Pepper is a doctor?"
catchers
I think our best bet is to have some sort of platoon situation with Veritek and somebody else splitting the games 50-50. Who that “somebody else” is, I have no idea.
Nitpick
It’s Varitek.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
The Red Sox still Love You
Sing two “Sweet Carolines” and three “Dirty Waters” and all will be forgiven, my son.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
And shred any copies of Fever Pitch you come across for now until eternity.
God, I can’t believe that I just acknowledged that movie’s existence. BURN IN HELL JIMMY FALLON AND DREW BARRYMORE!!!!
lowell
Why do we want mark Teixeria? We kept Lowell and signed him last year, and need his bad. We need to keep Youkilis, he was out MVP this year and always plays great. Mark is good, but ill take a healthy Lowell. We need to keep TEK. Yes, he can’t hit or throw but no cather can hit and produce defensively at the high level TEK does. He is the best catcher calling the game and we need him to play, but next year we need to use cash more. He should catch wakefield and some other pitcher. We put all the work on Tek and he needs a break and imagine how much better he will be if he has more time to rest.
Tek
Was very bad in all tangible defensive aspects last season, and we all know what an abomination he has become at the plate. I don’t want to see him back in a Red Sox uniform next year.
by Gnick on Oct 20, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh boy
Joel Sherman suggests Russell Martin could hit the block; the price would be very steep.
I do not give a fuck about the price, empty the whole fucking system if we have to, just trade for Russell Martin already.
If the Dodgers do this, and I don’t see them doing it but somehow hope they do, they are the dumbest motherfuckers ever.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
Re-signing Varitek
Anyone on board with re-signing Varitek, I’ve created groups on both myspace and facebook.
http://groups.myspace.com/KeepVaritek
http://www.facebook.com/s.php?k=100000080&id=926472&ref=mf&sid=67b7751cdbd69c883ea606a45ba89627#/group.php?gid=36152055935
Enjoy!
by KeepJasonVaritek on Oct 20, 2008 5:05 PM EDT reply actions
Scott,
would you do a Q&A for us some time?
"no1 has time to read your long comments, are you writing a book?"
Miggy Cabrera
Everything I’ve read says Tigers are trying to unload salary. I wonder if we could pry Miguel Cabrera from them, and stick him in LF. Trade Bay away.
Just want more power from the lineup, but willing to admit Im in full scale panic state right now lol
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Bay
is a 30HR 100 RBI guy. Add Teixeria into the lineup and your 1-7 is pretty formidable.
1- Ellsbury
2- Pedroia
3-Teixeria
4- Papi
5- Youk
6- Drew
7- Bay
Sox would have 2-7 being 20+ hrs, 80 + rbi and go Left/Right with Teixeria being a switch hitter.
I want the Sox to sign Tex
That’s a very sexy line-up.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
We still need a lead-off hitter
I’m not sold on Ellsbury, and might use him as trade-bait. I just don’t think Taco understands his role. I’d love to get Teagarden, although I don’t think Texas would part with him. If they would, I’d see if they’d take a package of Ellsbury, Bowden, and another prospect.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
You wanna part with Taco?
I’m not sure I’d give up on him after just one year. He’s great with the glove, has speed, and may learn to lay off down and in pitches.
The young guy I wonder about is Jed Lowrie. I’m not sure on him being our future SS.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I worry about Lowrie too
He lacks range and struggled with right-handed pitching. However, he would be a huge upgrade over Cora as a utility player. Cora can no longer play SS.
I think Ellsbury is great defensively and on the basepaths. I’m just not sure how good he’ll be offensively. He is too much of a free swinger, which makes it hard for him to steal first base. He may get better, although I’m not sure his head is screwed on straight. His post-game comments after Game 3 of the ALCS showed that he was clueless as to his role on the team. After swinging for the fences three times and flying out, Taco said he was OK with his performance because he got good wood on the ball (He flew out to medium depth RF). He has to learn to shorten his swing and slap the ball.
That said, I wouldn’t shop Ellsbury. But I’d move him for a good young catcher like Teagarden. CFs are a lot easier to find than good, young catchers.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Moving Jacoby for a young catcher means we'll see Coco all season at CF
Which is not okay. And about Lowrie, yeah, he’d be great as a utility player. I’m not sold on Lugo as a starter as well, so once again the Sox seem to have a hole at SS. And I want Teagarden as well, but I’ve got a feeling Texas will ask too much, because they really need pitching. If Tacoby + Bowden is all they ask, then I’m all in for it.
However, trading for a young catcher can be effed up because we’d have to resign Tek. And Tek wouldn’t be able to be a backup, because he can’t catch the knuckler. That’s why I’d rather trade for a young catcher, but one that has been around for a little longe. Like Doumit or Martin. Not as likely, just better.
Theo needs to do something in the off-season, it’s hard to say what right now but he does. AL East is too strong to build your hopes around the recovery of Papi and Mikey. We could be better at 3 positions (CF, SS and C), but it’s hard to see who we can get.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Taco has WAY more upside than Coco
However, this year Ellsbury wasn’t better:
Coco – .283 AVG/.344 OBP/.407 SLG
Taco – .280 AVG/.336 OBP/.394 SLG
I’d love Martin or Doumit. But I don’t see them being moved. Teagarden is a long shot. If he is available and Texas wants Taco, I pull the trigger.
I don’t see the Sox signing any big name free agents. Any moves they make will likely be via trades. They need to upgrade SS and C. They have two CFs that are similar right now. Kotsay, if he stays, can also play CF (as can Drew). I think SS will be hard to upgrade. In my opinion, the Sox are stuck with Lowrie and Lugo.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I don't see SS getting an upgrade as well
But I think Kotsay won’t be back next season, and I’m not sure about Drew playing CF. We’d lose a lot of range both in CF and in RF, Drew is quite good playing RF at Fenway. I don’t see Martin and Doumit getting traded as well, so we’re not likely to get better at C as well.
Theo is in a bad spot of sorts. It will be hard to upgrade this team.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
What would it take to pry Michael Young and Teagarden/Salty in the same deal?
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Lots
We’re talking Pedroia, Buccholz, Bowden. Or something ridiculous like that. Ain’t gonna happen.
Salty stinks
I wouldn’t want him. He has no skills behind the plate.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Kotsay will get an everday gig somewhere
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Lowrie
Pedroia 2006:
G AB H 1B 2B 3B HR BB SO AVG OPS
AAA: 111 423 129 91 30 3 5 48 27 .305 .801
BOS: 31 89 17 11 4 0 2 7 7 .191 .561
Lowrie 2008:
AAA: 53 198 53 32 14 2 5 31 43 .268 .801
Bos: 81 260 67 37 25 3 2 35 68 .258 .739
I don’t know much about his fielding, but don’t you guys think you might be jumping the gun writing him off at this point. He’s 24.
by hubkid99 on Oct 21, 2008 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not really a legit comparison
As Dusty’s sample size is much smaller. You are comparing Dusty’s first 89 ABs with Jed’s first 260. Here are Lowrie’s splits this year:
v. RHP (212 AB) .222 AVG/.308 OBP/ .344 SLG/.653 OPS
v. LHP (94 AB) .338 AVG/.409 OBP/.525 SLG/.934 OPS
Just watching Lowrie, he has a severe upper cut swing when he bats lefty. In other words, he has a huge hole in his swing. If he doesn’t make adjustments, he’ll be a platoon player.
One final note, Lowrie’s OPS this year was .739. Last year in Triple-A his OPS was .793, which is very close. Pedroia’s OPS in 2007 was .823, very close to the .810 he had for the PawSox in 2006.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 21, 2008 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
No, no, no
This is a bad idea on a number of levels. I think people over-value power bats and under-value defense.
Miguel couldn’t handle LF in florida so they moved him to third. He couldn’t handle 3B in Detroit so they moved him to first. Miggy isn’t a sub-par outfielder, he is a god awful outfielder.
Bay is a good defender, and has 30HR, 100RBI ability. Miggy’s offensive advantages over Bay are negligible compared to his defensive ineptitude (wow, that’s a fancy word for me).
Miggy would put up insane numbers at Fenway
But he was just signed to a 7 year contract before this season, so I doubt the Tigers are going to give up on him so early. If we did somehow get him we could reasonably expect something like .330/.410/.600 from him for quite a few years to come.
by Gnick on Oct 20, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I doubt they would do it because of just that, but I was thinking if they are trying to dump salary? Didn’t someone float the idea of Dontrelle for Lugo back in the summer as a bad contract for bad contract scenario?
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Lugo is a better pitcher than Dontrelle right now
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s crap for crap, but I’d take anything for Lugo at this point. Perhaps Dontrelle could work out of the pen? Shit I don’t know. Lugo’s contract is an albatross.
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I believe Dontrelle's contract is longer
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Outside the Box trade suggestion:
Clay Buccholz for Ryan Doumit (pits C)
Pirates have 2 catchers, Doumit is a switching hitting power hitting catcher who hit close to .300 this season.
Bad idea?
Not a bad idea
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=6304
DUDE he hit 318!
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
Would they really trade him though? I really think Shoppach or Martinez would be great targets.
by matzushocka45 on Oct 20, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Just 15 homers, though
But I think Buc could be something special. Casey and Varitek for Doumit.
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
Pirates aren't going to do that
If they do, it’s a great idea.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
MGBB you dont think Buchholz and his potential wouldnt get them talking? Knowing full well they will never resign Doumit when he goes on the market?
It would get 'em talking
And they need pitching. But Buch is coming from a bad season, so his value is down. I’m not sure they’d go for it.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
HAHA YOU ALL SUCK
WORST FANS EVER, I HOPE YOU ALL SIT AND STEW ABOUT HOW BAD BOSTON REALLY IS. I WISH NOTHING BUT THE WORST FOR ALL OF YOU SELF-DUBBED “CLASSY” FANS. TAKE YOUR CLASS AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR ELIMINATED ASSES! FUCK BOSTON! FUCK YOU!
by Boston blows big nuts on Oct 20, 2008 6:20 PM EDT reply actions
and
you chose to take time out of your day and post this classy opinion…
So you care more about the Red Sox losing then your team winning or your self respect?
Go back to Halo H. and join the conversation about how great your team will be when they sign Manny.
Yes, because you totally just proved every other fan base is much classier.
We ain’t that bad, we’ve basically been playing with softball league like replacements/shifts for the entire year.
So, you get a
Please leave this up, mods.
I want people to see what assholes the MFY/Rays can be. (Sorry to either fanbase if he is or isn’t a part of you.)
Did we dub ourselves classy?
If so, it was quite classy for us to forget about it.
Manny ain't the only bad man.
Holes
Rays Fan here,
Sabathia, but I don’t see it. I looked up Buchholtz and his first start in the Arizona Fall league was something like 8 IP, 2H, 9 SO. I still think he and Masterson are gonna be very good starters in the league. You guys are in a fantastic position, money and an awsome minor league system, but if Boston should learn anything from the year the Rays have had, it should be in this age of baseball, development is the key. And after watching that 2B of yours, if Lowrie and Ellsbury are half the players he is, you guys are gonna be ridicoulous. Let the Yankees have the highest paid DL in the league. Just push up the price please.
Oh, and I respect what Tek has done, but he is just uneffective these days. There’s your hole.
Agreed
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on Oct 20, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
Thanks for coming over to comment and not act like a fool.
Moving on.
I think Buccholz has a ways to go, but he has the potential to be special some day.
no prob
I really enjoy this site. came here originally to try to get a scoop on Buchholtz for a dynasty draft and stayed to try to get a different point of view on things.
Those “trolls”, as they’re called, have got to be teenagers, but maybe not. My Rays fan Mother told me that the fans at game 6 were being complete assholes. She said a 50 yr old lady was getting arrested in the bathroom for attacking the legs of a Sox fan in the adjacent stall.
I always say every team has them, I just think ours have access to tickets.
A middle-aged cat fight over a bathroom stall?
That would be something to see.
Manny ain't the only bad man.
Not over the stall
she said it was because she was a Boston Fan, probably had a pink hat on. J/K
*ahem*
Me, matzushocka, you…. Redsoxultras, or at least he acts like one! :)
I think I’m the youngest, you’re 15, It was eitehr Matzushcoka or Sox-inda-south who was 16. I’m 13.
Well, I'll appreciate for you to keep my zingers outta your mouth!
I know. There's several, if you prefer that pronoun.
I was making a reference to the below comments when I insulted myself.
In all the threads you post, I'm pretty sure of finding 2 things
You saying you’re 15, and like 74895 pics.
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
by MerryGoByeBye on Oct 20, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks.
Words don’t do certain situations justice. And I feel like I have to defend myself to preempt any stupidity.
OT, way OT
I’m not exactly a Patriots fan, mainly because I never liked football enough to be a fan of any team. But I do like the team, and want them to win and all. However, I just like seeing Jay Cutler playing. I mean, I hate the Broncos like everyone should and all, but this kid is something else. While he’s not all that great, he reminds me of what I used to feel seeing Tom Brady playing and, yes, Peyton Manning in his SB year. He’s not that good, but he’s a fun guy to watch.
The question is: Should I feel dirty? :)
Mother---- him and John Wayne!
SEC, SEC, SEC!!!!
Okay, I wasn’t quite done before. Oh, and I almost typo’d the last one, replacing the “C” with an “X,” but I’m not that much of a horny teen.
We did the Top Prospects list
in December – January last offseason. I’d expect a similar ETA this year.
"It's just a tiny little nick, but it hurts when I get champagne in there."
- Jason Bay, on getting spiked scoring the winning run in ALDS Game Four.
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