Why Mark Teixeira should come to Boston

by Sawxfan on Nov 22, 2008 7:12 PM EST Comment 29 comments

This year the Red Sox hit the open free agent market looking to accomplish a variety of different things. They have some pitching issues they need to address such as adding an A.J Burnett type guy. They also have bullpen problems which they addressed by adding Ramon Ramirez. They have also have offense problems. Since trading Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox have felt the hangover.

One Free Agent the Red Sox are currently pursuing is first baseman Mark Teixeira. Teixeira is among the top free agents this winter. He began the season with the Braves and by the trade deadline had many suitors. The Red Sox among them.

The Sox now get a second chance as Teixeira’s destinations are now controlled by him and his agent, not the Braves or the Angels. His Agent however is Scott Boras. Boras, the most demanding agents in the business. The Red Sox however need him.

If the Red Sox were able to obtain Teixeira, they would be able to put him right ahead of David Ortiz or behind him in the lineup. Ortiz has told the organization the Boston needs another slugger, besides Jason Bay. Teixeira would be a perfect fit.

The First base position however is however employed by Kevin Youkillis. The Red Sox repeatedly used Youk at third when Mike Lowell was injured. Youkillis has the ability to play third permanently. The obvious explanation is to trade Mike Lowell. Lowell is beginning to show his age as he only hit .274 last season. Not bad but he also got hut quite a bit. Lowell wants to stay in Boston for the rest of his career.

Teixeira is also a great defensive player. “Tex” is a former Gold Glover but still plays like one.

The scenario for the Red Sox is to trade Mike Lowell, move Youkillis to third, and sign Teixeira to play first. Tex would provide a switch hitting bat that can give you 30 home runs a year. He can give you excellent defense at first (not that that was a problem). And he can also keep the Fenway Fans happy

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Welcome to OTM!

It took you five minutes to write that whole post? Holy crap.

Great post. You really layed down all the facts. This has been a much-discussed topic, but let Randy, Allen, Drugs or 0157H7 critique you. Not taking anything away from your post.

"Long separated by cruel fate, the two star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 PM traveling at 55 MPH, the other from Topeka at 4:19 PM at a speed of 35 MPH."

by BoSox415 on Nov 22, 2008 10:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Clearly it was pasted from somewhere else.

You can tell from the funny formatting. Might’ve been written on Word, or taken from a personal blog. All that extra space between paragraphs is freaking me out, like there’s some hidden message or images there.

Also, you’re practically daring me to critique this. Shouldn’t do that, not after I’ve been reading Salon.com as much as I have tonight. I could criticize up a storm now. But I’ll try to hold it in, Bruce Banner-like.

"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.

by 0157H7 on Nov 22, 2008 10:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We won't like you when you're critical?

Clutch: A measurement of how much better or worse a player does in high leverage situations than he would have done in a context neutral environment. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/glossary/

by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on Nov 23, 2008 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to OTM.

Good summary of the Tex situation. Not too many people end up on the front page with their first fanpost. I have a couple comments.

1) Boras clients have been known to sign where they want to, rather than follow their agent’s orders. Varitek’s original extension ($40 million / 4 years) wasn’t hotly contested or anything.
2) Mike Lowell’s average isn’t the best way to judge him. On-base percentage (OBP) is generally accepted as a more useful statistic to consult. Other stats, like OPS or Equivalent Average, are even better (because they correlate more strongly with actual runs scoring).

That said, I agree that Lowell is on the decline, but the chief evidence of that was his injury, not his average. He did hit with pretty good power for the season (17 HR, although doubles were down), but I didn’t like the low OBP. Tex is a better hitter than Mikey, but that in itself is not a reason to jettison Lowell.

If Tex signs for a reasonable amount with the Sox, and not for too long (ideally 6 or 7 years), and if we can move Lowell for a decent return, then the signing becomes a great idea. But I think there’s a lot more risk here than people are seeing, and that Theo will ultimately pass.

"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.

by 0157H7 on Nov 22, 2008 11:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am so confused

I feel like I have heard all of this before..

Oh thats right.. because I have.
Its the same things that everyone else has been saying. How does this make the front page?

by Charged on Nov 23, 2008 7:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

This article is stating the obvious x1,000,000. Seriously, everybody knows all of this already. I guess we can’t expect much more out of a rookie though, welcome to OTM.

by Schulz on Nov 23, 2008 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Everything has been scattered

It is just one big post to sum it up.

by BoSox415 on Nov 23, 2008 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The sox offense was actually better- post Manny.

by matzushocka45 on Nov 23, 2008 8:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

your assumption that Ortiz can still hit

is quaint

hope you are correct; evidence not there

Lowell is needed to DH

but it is all moot, I suspect. My gut feeling is that Texiera ends up in NY or Baltimore

by Frank Malzone on Nov 23, 2008 8:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ortiz

I don’t understand how you come to the inference that Ortiz can’t still hit.

2006 OPS: 1.049
2007 OPS: 1.066
2008 OPS: .876

Those numbers rank him among the best in baseball. Even in 2008 with his terrible/unlucky start and constantly playing with injuries he put up an OPS of .876.

by Gnick on Nov 23, 2008 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Also ...

With runners in scoring position last year (min 120 PA) Oriz ranked:

1st in OPS 1.126
5th in AVG .336
2nd in OBP .447
1st in SLG .680

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 23, 2008 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What makes you think Ortiz can't hit anymore?

Because he hurt his wrist last year? You believe Lowell is a better hitter? That’s odd. Ortiz had an OPS of .877 (416 AB), despiye a bad wrist. Lowell, who “is needed to DH,” had an OPS of .798 (418 AB). Sure Lowell was also injured. But what makes you sure he’ll bounce back and Papi won’t?

Mark Teixeira’s bat would be an upgrade over Lowell’s. However, the Sox don’t need him. LA does, which is why I think Tex is staying in Orange County. What the Sox must do is upgrade at catcher.

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 23, 2008 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As much as i like tex, for all the reasons you stated, the point you did not address is Tex’s price is likely to be huge and manny-like. Yes we need a new slugger, but is he really worth the price tag? Assuming mike lowell is healthy, for one season i think he could be just as productive as tex. If we trade lowell we’re going to be paying his salary, as well as a giiant contract for our new first basemen. This is the kind of deal that could really hurt the team in the long run if tex doesnt live up to the hype.

by spinz on Nov 23, 2008 4:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Lowell will be as productive as Tex

Tex is just a better hitter. However, I agree with most of what you wrote. And Lowell is a productive hitter. Why break the bank for a 1B, and pay Lowell’s salary.

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 23, 2008 5:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah cant argue against tex being the better hitter, but lowell could be just as productive over 1 season. All it takes from tex is some slumps like we saw in atlanta. I wont think any less of this team if we sign him, but really pricey and have to question if its wise.

by spinz on Nov 23, 2008 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well

the main reason is that the Red Sox will eventually have a spot open at either 1b or 3b, sorry guys I am not buying the Lars Anderson hype, not yet. Plus Teixeira is probably the best available free agent to come up in the next 3 or 4 years. So it makes sense. Even if Lars is AMAZING he will be a massive trade chip for the Red Sox to move to get a young arm like Lincecum or Matt Cain in the future if we already have Teixeira. And frankly I find it hard to believe that Lars will be better than Teixeira, but i could be wrong on that.

Sign Teixeira now and let everyone else fight for Prince Fielder, who I am not really that excited about.

Also, with all the teams looking for a vet thirdbaseman makes the market for Mike Lowell much much better. Cleveland, LA Dodgers, Minnesota, San Francisco, etc. .

Another point, why let the Yankees and Angels, two of our toughest competitors get Teixeira when its in the Red Sox power to sign him. Signing Teixeira helps the Sox but destroys the Angels chances at a WS. Their plan B is Manny and Dunn, two more OFs, LOL! How sweet does Nick Swisher EVERYDAY 1st baseman sound?

Further, with Teixeira the Red Sox can sign my uncle to catch and it would not matter one bit in terms of hitting. The Sox 1-7 would be something to see. They could sign Tex and not worry about his bat at all. Maybe that would free the front office to take a chance on Salty or Teagarden.

Signing Teixeira puts the Red Sox in a very comfortable position, especially with a healthy Beckett and Papi in 09, Lester and Dice-K getting better and the likely hood of Sheets, Lowe or Burnett in the rotation as well.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 24, 2008 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There is no way the Sox are signing Tex and a pitcher

The Sox do not want to increase payroll over last year, which was about $133 million. In 2007, the Sox had their highest payroll ever: $143 million. Between 2004 and 2006, Boston’s payroll was between $120 and $127 million.

Manny’s, Schilling’s, Timlin’s, and Coco’s salaries are gone. So, the Sox have about $36 million off the books. If Tek comes back at a reduced rate, that’s probably another $2-4 million. There are probably a few increases (depending on how some of the current players’ contracts are structured).

Teixeira will cost between $18-25 million. Burnett will likely get $15+ million and DLowe around $13-15 million. When you consider that Bay’s contract is up after next year and the Sox will want to lock up Dusty, Paps, and a few others long term, they don’t really have that much money to spend this off-season. Sure, Lowell is gone in two years. But the Sox may want to re-sign Papi and Beckett.

Long-term deals, even for good players, are a risk. Very few big money deals really work out in the long run. Manny’s contract with the Sox was one of the few that did. I think fans always want their favorite teams to remake themselves from year to year. But this isn’t fantasy baseball. Payroll flexibility is important for teams that want to contend every year.

Theo may really want Teixeira. Why wouldn’t he? Tex fits the Sox’ hitting philosophy. However, Lowell and his $12.5 million will be hard to move. Therefore you have to figure that the Sox will have to eat $4-6 million of Mikey’s salary, plus the $18-25 million for Tex. Where is the money for Burnett, Lowe, or Sheets? (This is why Buchholz, Bowden, and Masterson have lots of value).

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 24, 2008 8:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to disagree with u DD.

The Sox need to sign or get an arm in the offseason. That arm might be Kawakami or even someone who is a gamble like Sheets, but I just do not see the Sox relying on Buchholz who has not been consistent or moving Masterson away from a role in which he does so well.

Also, and this is only my opinion, If the Sox do sign Teixeira I can see them moving Lowell and Lars Anderson + others to S. F. for something that involves a Benji Molina and Matt Cain (not the whole deal but the key players). Maybe its crazy talk but unless the Sox are trying to bleed the Angels by making them buck up some serious $$$$ for Teixeira with the bluff of the decade I can see something like this happening.

Maybe something like: Lowell, Lars Anderson + Prospect for Benji Molina (6.5 Million) + Matt Cain + Dave Roberts (6.5 million).

Just speculation. nothing more.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 24, 2008 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Umm...

Not gonna happen. That is a bad deal from the Giants perspective. Great pitcher, above average catcher, and serviceable outfielder, for aging questionable 3B, minor league bat, and somebody else

by Schulz on Nov 25, 2008 1:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 25, 2008 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

they cannot pay Cain

Sanchez and Lincecum. And trading an aging catcher + a 36 year old over paid, 1 dimensional OF + a guy they cannot pay for Mike Lowell who they need, the Red Sox #1 Prospect + others is not a bad deal.

Especially when you look and see what the market dictates for big name arms like Santana or Harden or CC.

Cleveland got #1 and #5 prospects from Milwaukee for CC. You really think Matt Cain is worth more than CC? What if the deal was Lowell, Anderson and Bowden? Still not a good deal.

Teixeira will be a Red Sox and that will free up the Sox to move Anderson for an arm.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 25, 2008 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

this is moot

bc there are several people in MLB saying there is a market for Lowell. Like I said the Sox will sign Teixeira and turn around and move Lowell easily.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 25, 2008 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and

since when is Matt Cain a “Great” pitcher?

by SoxAcumen on Nov 25, 2008 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Since he became about as untouchable as Lincecum.

by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on Nov 26, 2008 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cain is good ...

Lincecum is very good. But there’s no way SF will trade him for a 35-year old 3B coming off an injury and a prospect.

I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 26, 2008 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm saying he's really not that great, but because his team thinks he is, it makes him seem better.

by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on Nov 26, 2008 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Big-money Hitters usually perform

Almost all big-money hitters continue to play well after their contracts. In that Si.com article that DD links, the author gives almost everyone bad grades, even though A-Rod has been awesome throughout his contract, Jeter has been exactly what they thought he’d be (I don’t want a Jeter argument), and Soriano has played the same too. The article is just dumb. Look at the stats he has for Beltran before the contract, then compare those numbers to Beltran’s actual numbers, there,s a little bit of a difference.

Big-money pitchers on the other hand, especially free agents, almost always suck.

by BTLove on Nov 25, 2008 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Clearing up loose ends

You guys were right, I had done this on word as a post for my blog and to send it into Surving Grady. I realize that this is the most common subject now on OTM. I’ll try to pick a different subject.

by Sawxfan on Nov 24, 2008 9:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's fine to write on this subject.

It’s just a good idea to try to add something new to the discussion. That could be stats, a new argument or reason, pictures, interpretative dance, anything.*

*Please note: Interpretative dance submissions will not be accepted.

"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.

by 0157H7 on Nov 24, 2008 9:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs