Bloody Sox Laundry, 9/29/09 - Improving the Game and the Team

by bdalebs on Sep 29, 2009 5:00 AM EDT in Daily Links

Major League Baseball's Wild Card Is Hurting the Game - NESN.com
Hmm... I will give up the Wild Card, but only if we get the best three teams by record into the playoffs, regardless of division. Until then, I'll take the crappy late-season series as long as we're rewarding the right teams with extra baseball.

Mike Lowell Receives Hip Injection - NESN.com

Should be back soon - until then, either Kotchman or Varitek take his place in the lineup. I'd love to see Kotchman starting for that time so that our defense is solid, but Vic needs an offday somewhere in there.

Carter can still be traded - Clubhouse Insider

He was DFA'd so that we could bring up Richardson (who was decent in his debut). As long as the MFY don't take him, we should still be able to send the Mets the promised package.

After the jump: improving the defense for next season, possibly bringing in a new player or two, and how to best run the bases.

Stephen Drew to Boston? Yes, please - Fire Brand of the American League

Can we give Jed a decent shot first before we trade a promising pitching prospect or two first?

Defense Hits The Market - FanGraphs Baseball

This upcoming free agent class has generally been derided as one of the weaker groups in recent history. After seeing the likes of CC Sabathia and Derek Lowe hit the market last winter, this group lacks the same pizazz. However, there is one area where this group of free agents is particularly strong – defense. Those in the market for premium defensive players will have a lot of options this winter.

Could be the safety netting if we do make Jed the starter. There's also some good options for a 5th OF for next season.

Baserunner’s Optimal Path - Frank Morgan

In case anyone wants to keep this handy and compare the next inside-the-park homer attempt to this graph.

What else needs improving in baseball? On the Sox? Link us to anything unfamiliar.

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Comments

We can send Carter regardless of what the MFY do.

The waiver period runs out within the 10-day period in which teams have to claim him, so we’re good on that front.

by Ben Buchanan on Sep 29, 2009 10:15 AM EDT reply actions

Stephen Drew to Boston?

Ehh..as “interesting” as it might be to see him and his brother on the same team (maybe they’d even feed off eachother, who knows?) I think Scutaro would be a better option.

by TheDesktopNinja on Sep 29, 2009 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Scutaro is a horrible option.

Lifelong mediocrity who suddenly has a career year well past the typical “prime” ages despite having his batted balls peripherals drop (LD% noticeably down).

He’s gonna cost some team $10 million for 3 years during which he’ll regress faster than a coke addict at a Hollywood party.

by Ben Buchanan on Sep 29, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you mean

relapse

Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.

by CasanovaWong on Sep 29, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, the analogy isn't perfect.

by Ben Buchanan on Sep 29, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Though in Josh Hamilton's case it'd be perfect.

by Ben Buchanan on Sep 29, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Why do we need him?

Yeah it might work out as a good pick up, but why risk it? We have a 6MM option with Gonzalez and Jed Lowrie could heal nicely as a back up. Both are as good or better options then Drew.

by drabidea on Sep 29, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

For Gonzalez case, I think that the Red Sox are better served by DECLINING his 6 MM option

and resigning him at 1 year 4 MM contract because he’ll not get that kind of money (6MM) from any team.

tRA is the real stat.

by bloodysock04 on Sep 29, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

Either way I would rather have one of them then Drew.

by drabidea on Sep 29, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

$4 million is WAY too much for Gonzo

Give him a $0.5 – $1 million contract, tops. Maybe the Sox could add some incentives for OBP and BB added.

This year, Gonzo is a 0.2 WAR player. According to Fangraphs, he has been worth $1.1 million.

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

by Drugs Delaney on Sep 29, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

“He’s a big-time raw tools guy but he’s got a good approach, a good path to the ball, good bat speed … He puts on a show in batting practice, but he isn’t just a dead-pull guy”