Hot Stove Update, 11/23: Teixeira, Varitek

by Randy Booth on Nov 23, 2008 1:01 PM EST in News Comment 38 comments

Randy Youngman from the OC Register predicts Mark Teixeira will land with the Red Sox before Christmas:

But I don't think it will be with the Angels. If he were going to re-sign in Anaheim, I think it already would have happened. Just a gut feeling. Even the people I talk to in the organization don't seem optimistic.

Teixeira would be ridiculed if he signed with perpetual losers such as the Baltimore Orioles or Washington Nationals, so my guess is he'll sign with the Boston Red Sox.

Kinda makes sense, if you ask me. If Big Teix wants to be on the East Coast and the Red Sox are willing to break the bank, then there we go -- we have a new first baseman ... and a new third baseman (sort of).

MLBTradeRumors.com says, according to Buster Olney: "The Red Sox are preparing, full-steam ahead, to play 2009 without Jason Varitek."

The Red Sox may be preparing but they still need to make a move. I don't think Kevin Cash can be the Red Sox' full-time catcher...

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Tex, Tek

Hey speaking of Texas Tech (I know that’s a stretch) anybody see that game last night? Ouch!

Anyways, there’s a fair chance that the Sox will sign Teixeira. Theo is gonna let the Angels, Nats, etc. make their offers and then come in with a high, late bid. Theo values players like Tex very highly. Think about JD Drew; good average, great OBP, decent power, patient hitter. Tex is even better in all of those categories.
Theo will do what he usually does with FAs. Put a value on him (which will be very high) and make a good offer. He probably genuinely wants Tex, but if he goes elsewhere, it won’t be the end of the world.

As for Tek, Theo is playing this one extremely well. Offering Tek some sort of contract now would let Boras and teams like the Tigers know we want him back, and still value him. Then Varitek would get offers from other teams and the Sox would have to pay more or let him walk.
Not offering anything makes everybody think we don’t value him, and are ready to move on. Boras will have a hard time shopping him if the Red Sox (of whom Tek was captain) won’t even give an offer. Eventually, they’ll come crawling back and sign for 1 year, $7.5MM or 2 years, $14MM- or something in that range.

by Schulz on Nov 23, 2008 1:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

As Theo, I'd pay a team $1 or 2 million

to sign Tek away from us. At this point, Type A compensatory draft picks > Tek.

What Tek has become is a right-handed platoon player. His bat is awful against right-handed pitching, absolutely awful.
2008 Splits
VS RHP: .201 / .293 / .323
VS LHP: .284 / .378 / .484
If he can’t hit 80-90% of pitchers, he doesn’t deserve a starting gig on a team as good as the Red Sox. If he wants to come back, he needs to sign for backup money, or be a non-roster invitee.

At his age, and with his recent performance, there is no guarantee that Tek can be even an average player relative to other league catchers. Why in the heck would we pay anywhere close to $7 million a year for that?

"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 23, 2008 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good point

Are any of those Texas catchers lefties?

by Schulz on Nov 23, 2008 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Salty hits righties better than lefties as far as I recall

But I’m not sure on him being a catcher.

Mother---- him and John Wayne!

by MerryGoByeBye on Nov 23, 2008 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is what I don't get..

I do not understand why the hell everyone has to rely on Tek’s bat. Really? I understand that he cannot hit now (or ever again for that matter), but the way he controls the game, there is nobody else signable out there who could have that impact. He knows all our pitchers, all the pitchers know him. Its a comfortable relationship. Why wouldn’t you try to sign him to a 2 year deal.. maybe 10 guaranteed plus incentives if his offense magically reappears (which it wont).

Honestly, you guys talk about his bat like its a need for us. If we sign Tex (or even if we don’t), our lineup is still:

1. Jacoby
2. Pedroia
3. Ortiz
4. Youkilis
5. Lowell
6. Bay
7. Drew
8. Catcher/Tek
9. Lowrie

Of those, Bay, Lowell, Ortiz, Youk (minus 1, shoot me), and Drew have power bats and can hit 30 home runs in a season. Peds is last seasons MVP. Jacoby will be a great leadoff if he gets his game together.

So aside from that, we have a new shortstop who should be able to hit really well if his wrist problem corrects itself, and a poor catcher. 6 of 9 bats that can hit is amazing. Thats excluding the two young guns and Tek. I would say our offense doesn’t need Teks bat. Especially if we get Big Tex

by Charged on Nov 23, 2008 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We need a new catcher at some point.

Basically you’re saying that you think Varitek’s value in “controlling the game” and “knowing our pitchers” outweighs his ineptitude with the bat. This could be possible, I guess. Its one of those things that is impossible to value. regardless of whether you think this is true, we still are going to need a new catcher eventually. If we can get someone now to ease into the starting role and keep Tek on a short money deal, I’m fine with that.

Also, it doesn’t matter how good everyone else is, if we can get more production at catcher, we have to do it.

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

I know that

I know eventually we WILL need a new catcher, but the market just isn’t great right now IMO. I mean everyone is ranting for Salty (and trust me, I wouldn’t mind seeing him in a Sox uni and hearing the “Salty” chants), but he is unproven as of now. I know he’s only 23 but at this point, he is showing more promise as a 1b or DH. We have Lars in the farm system and if we sign Tex, those are our 1b/DH for the next couple years.

Whats the problem with George Kottaras? I haven’t heard much about the kid, but everyone is saying he will be traded. Why can’t he be our next catcher or temporary/backup?

by Charged on Nov 23, 2008 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t mind giving Kottaras a shot if the right deal isn’t out there. What I don’t want to see is just maintaining the status quo. I don’t want us going into the season planning on giving Varitek another 400 ABs.

by BTLove on Nov 23, 2008 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There are some serious questions about Kottaras’ defense. He doesn’t throw out out a lot of runners.

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

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 23, 2008 7:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but

he has been improving on his game calling, very good at blocking balls in the dirt and has experience catching the knuckleball. He would make a good back up this year in my opinion.

If I had my choice though I would try out Dusty Brown for all the reasons stated at soxprospects so I won’t repeat them here. He also has been swinging the bat well as of late.

by drabidea on Nov 24, 2008 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed about Brown

Defense is very important at catcher.

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

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 24, 2008 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You know

Tek still gets on base at a good clip considering his average. Having a .330 OBP catcher isn’t the end of the world.

"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.

by SoxDevil on Nov 24, 2008 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

"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 24, 2008 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It definitely isn't.

But Tek’s OBP was .313, not .330, in 2008. And he can definitely get worse. Tek’s numbers were elevated by a couple weeks of actual legitimate hitting. If we sign him for ANY period of time, there’s a good chance we regret it.

"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 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hahaha...

don’t blame TTU for their lack of defense. It’s not like they could have worked more on the defense instead of the their ridiculous offense. Oh wait… GO GATORS!

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 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Randy Youngman

does not know Scott Boras. The agent typically waits until the last possible negotiating window to agree to a deal. With Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boras had ONE team to bargain with. There were only so many things they could possibly discuss. And yet he dragged it out until the very day of the deadline. Dice-K was put on a plane, and they were negotiating on the plane, iirc.

It makes about zero sense to deal Tex early. Unless the Angels or Yankees made an offer that no other team would top, and that with cooler heads they would rescind, Boras has every reason to wait.

"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 23, 2008 1:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Boras will sign when he thinks he has the best deal.

If that’s early then he’ll sign early. With regards to Dice, Boras’s only bargaining chip was the deadline, so his only way of getting the price up was to threaten to walk. Stretching it out made sense. We signed JD pretty early in FA period. If the Sox come with the right offer, he’ll sign.

by BTLove on Nov 23, 2008 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Remember, the player does the signing.

Whether they cooperate with Boras or not is also a factor.

"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 23, 2008 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The player signs when his agent gets the most money possible

by BTLove on Nov 23, 2008 9:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Most times

But not always. Mike Lowell took less money and a year less to stay in Boston.

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

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 23, 2008 9:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tex said he wants to know where he will be playing by Christmas, so we can at least expect to find out by then

by Realistic on Nov 24, 2008 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Another MLBTR tidbit from Cafardo:

The Red Sox are doing due diligence on free agent Rocco Baldelli, who could be in the mix as a fourth outfielder after the team dealt Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals last week for reliever Ramon Ramírez. According to major league sources, Baldelli, from Cumberland, R.I., met with the Red Sox at Fenway late last week to discuss his future and the effects of the mitochondrial disorder that limited him to 80 at-bats with the Rays last season.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Nov 23, 2008 2:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'd love Baldelli

I’m a sucker for his swing, he is a very good baseball player… That can’t play baseball.

Mother---- him and John Wayne!

by MerryGoByeBye on Nov 23, 2008 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He's also from Woonsocket.

"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.

by SoxDevil on Nov 24, 2008 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Baldelli is a BAD MOVE

No offense to Rocco, I like him, but what if one of our everyday outfielders is out for extended period. Baldelli cannot play more than 2 games in a row bc of his illness. I love the guy, but he is not a guy who can help the Red Sox and fill in for significant time like Coco or Kotsay did in 08.

I still say sign Mark Kotsay, he can play CF, RF, LF and 1B. That is a utility man.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 24, 2008 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed about Baldelli

I think Kotsay wants to start, so he is a long-shot to return. It’s a shame about Baldelli because the Sox need a 4th OF that hits left-handed pitching (Drew and Ellsbury are lefties).

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

by Drugs Delaney on Nov 24, 2008 8:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Baldelli

If one of our OF is out for an extended period, they go on the DL, and we bring up the next guy from our minor league system to platoon with baldelli. it’s not the best solution, but that’s what would happen should we sign him and one of our starters was injured.

Aside from that scenario, Baldelli is a great fit for us in that he’s a righty that could give drew/ellsbury a day off against a lefty

by Schulz on Nov 25, 2008 1:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

so...

why sign Badelli if we are just going to bring up a replacement OF? I would much rather find a righty who can play everyday if someone is hurt.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 25, 2008 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The idea is

That for the few games that Baldelli can play, he plays above replacement level. He would be a great 4th OF. If someone gets hurt, he’s STILL the 4th OF. Baldelli is a luxury. If we’re concerned about one of our farmhands filling in for an extended time, and a better option is available in free agency, than I think the Sox would have to sign that guy instead.

"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.

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

Chris Carter for 4th OF in 2009 !!

by matzushocka45 on Nov 25, 2008 5:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Baldelli also has value as a starting-caliber bat off the bench. Especially in the playoffs, this is a valuable commodity. The only reason we would be able to get him though, is because he cannot play everyday, or some other team would sign him to start. We will definitely need someone who can play everyday, but for short stretches, a chris carter/baldelli platoon would work. And if there’s a major injury, we can always trade for a Kotsay-type guy.

by BTLove on Nov 25, 2008 6:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously...

…Mike Lowell is going to be the new catcher.

by RSNexile on Nov 24, 2008 10:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Let's see.

Lowell vs. Varitek checklist.
Lowell:
Veteran – Check.
Intangibles – Check.
Clubhouse leader – Check.
Old – Check.
“Plays the game right” – double Check.
Poor defensive skills – Slovak.
Can’t hit high fastballs – Slovak.

Lowell sounds good to me!

"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 10:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs