Sox News & Notes: Dec. 11

by Randy Booth on Dec 11, 2008 2:56 PM EST in News

Just random stuff here at 3 o'clock on Thursday:

No word yet on new uniforms or logos, which is supposed to be announced today.
No one has any idea what the status is with Jason Varitek. The Herald reported it was a two-year deal on the table from the Red Sox, but then the Globe said there was no deal in place.
The Red Sox are a "finalist" for Mark Teixeira -- apparently. It looks like it's down to the Red Sox, Angels, Orioles and Nationals, but the Yankees may or may not sneak back into the race.
Jake Peavy to the Cubs is a "dead" deal. C'mon, Jake, reconsider Boston, please. Wouldn't you want to live this rivalry, especially if the Yankes continue to sign some pitchers and the Sox get Teixeira? What would a package for Peavy cost us?
The Rule 5 draft was today. The Sox made three selections. Nothing huge to report here, but there's some promise definitely.
The Wes Littleton trade was completed by sending prospect Beau Vaughan over to Texas. I really liked Vaughan, but who knows where he would be in our system. In Texas, though? He's going to be their closer (OK, maybe not yet).
And finally, if you're bored -- like I am -- and want some hot stove updates, just check out MLBTradeRumors.com. Just keep hitting refresh and you'll get new content courtesy of Tim Dierkes and his crew.

Tweet Comment 17 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I don't think Peavy is a good fit for Boston.

He’d probably cost us Lars or Buchholz, + lesser prospects + cash (to extend him). I like our front three of Beckett, Lester, and Dice-K enough that giving up prospects for Peavy doesn’t seem desirable or necessary.

"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 Dec 11, 2008 3:27 PM EST reply actions

WARNING: Pending prospects overvaluing (on my part)...

That much?

Bowden + O.Tejada + Fife/Pimentel/Doubront + Daeges gets it done, I think…

Of course: (1) I’m totally guessing and speculating (guestulating?), (2) these days I severely under-value the Pads’ ability to perform complex tasks like properly valuing baseball player (or shoe-tying), and (3) Peavy doesn’t like small ballparks and actual batsmen. Nevertheless:

Beckett, Lester, Peavy, Dice-K, Wakefield/Prospie = Drool

Rock me, sexy Jesus...

by nuthinboutnuthin on Dec 11, 2008 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

I’d probably do Bowden, Reddick and one or two more mid-level pitching prospect. And, of course, Peavy would have to agree to be traded to Boston.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Dec 11, 2008 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

I'd do it

for 4 years of Peavy? He can’t be that bad even in the AL.

by drabidea on Dec 11, 2008 4:00 PM EST up reply actions

Yes, that much.

The discussions would probably start with Bowden, Anderson, and some other guys.

by Schulz on Dec 11, 2008 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

Well, sure...

It’s good to want things, but the Padres are clearly manipulating their salary for non-baseball reasons this offseason. The strength of the offer doesn’t need to be good, just not ridiculous and slightly better (and cheaper) than the next guy’s.

Of course, the question is what the next guy’s offer is…

Rock me, sexy Jesus...

by nuthinboutnuthin on Dec 11, 2008 6:54 PM EST up reply actions

They don't have to trade him now though...

He only makes $8 mil next year. If they think they can get a better offer at the deadline or next offseason, they’ll wait.

And it would definitely take at least Bowden and Lars, probably more.

by BTLove on Dec 11, 2008 8:51 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry $9 mil. He hit the escalator clause.

by BTLove on Dec 11, 2008 8:52 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry again, $11 mil

Per Cot’s, 2009 salary increases to $11 mil with Cy Young in 2005-2007. He won in 2007.

by BTLove on Dec 11, 2008 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

Aaron Harang got 4th in the Cy Young voting that year. Really wierd, I don’t remember him being good at all.

by BTLove on Dec 11, 2008 9:00 PM EST up reply actions

Also

If you’re of the mind that we need (as opposed to want) another starter, this is definitely an avenue to explore. Peavy’s salary (I think) is $9MM, $ 15MM, $ 16MM and $ 17MM (plus a $ 22MM option, which we’d probably have to guarantee to pick up – at least – to get him to consider waiving his no-trade clause), so $ 16ish aav. You’d be getting at least comparable value to the top guys on the market now…

Again – if you’re convinced we need one more guy in the rotation…

Rock me, sexy Jesus...

by nuthinboutnuthin on Dec 11, 2008 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

About unis:

See FanShot for leak.

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 bdalebs on Dec 11, 2008 4:40 PM EST reply actions

Vaughan

Can I get some info on Beau Vaughan? I read his writeup on SoxProspects.com, but I was wondering if anyone else had something to add.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 11, 2008 8:03 PM EST reply actions

A couple of Miguels.

Marquez is only 21. No chance he sticks on the roster, but maybe the Sox can work out a deal for him. (Though maybe I don’t understand what the “AA portion” is..;)

Gonzalez is a little more intriguing.

Ken, Philly: Any shockers in the Rule 5 draft today?

SportsNation Keith Law: Not really. Most interesting guy is Miguel Gonzalez, taken by Boston from the Angels. Missed the year, throwing very well in Mexico, avg to above avg fastball with plus command.

I like this stockpiling of young arms. I think we have a shot at a great bullpen next year.

Manny ain't the only bad man.

by tommy.otm on Dec 11, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions

The “AA” portion plays out the same, but just a step below (i.e., he has to be on their AAA roster for a full year, not the major league roster)

by Realistic on Dec 12, 2008 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_5_draft) “Organizations may also draft players from AA or lower to play for their AAA affiliates (for $12,000) and may draft players from A teams or lower to play for their AA affiliates (for $4,000)”

by Realistic on Dec 12, 2008 11:07 AM EST up reply actions