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2013 Offseason Red Sox thread
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Post by jmei on Nov 1, 2013 10:57:30 GMT -5
Yeah, let's keep this thread to the offseason, not Farrell.
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Post by soxcentral on Nov 1, 2013 11:38:30 GMT -5
I see no reason to trade any of the 6 projected starters in the off-season. June/July would make more sense, because the depth acts nicely as insurance against any lingering injury problems with Buchholz/Peavy, Doubront showing up ready to go physically, and Lester's potential need for extra rest after his October run. Dempster is not my favorite pitcher to watch but I'd take him as a #5 any day.
It also allows the younger arms a 1/2 season to mature and show whether they are ready for a role in the rotation, Webster and Ranaudo in particular.
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Post by Guidas on Nov 1, 2013 12:28:12 GMT -5
I see no reason to trade any of the 6 projected starters in the off-season. June/July would make more sense, because the depth acts nicely as insurance against any lingering injury problems with Buchholz/Peavy, Doubront showing up ready to go physically, and Lester's potential need for extra rest after his October run. Dempster is not my favorite pitcher to watch but I'd take him as a #5 any day. It also allows the younger arms a 1/2 season to mature and show whether they are ready for a role in the rotation, Webster and Ranaudo in particular. See, now I take the exact opposite view - I want to know what the return is first before I see no reason to make a trade. For example, If Theo saw Doubront manhandle the Cards and suddenly thinks - "I need that guy!" - and wants to talk a package with Doubront and player X for Rizzo, I'm listening. Ditto any other GM. Conversely, if Ben asks Miami about Stanton and they say Doubront has to be in the package, I'm listening. There are plenty of reasons to trade those guys and others (especially if you think Workman or someone else can fill for the first half of the season). They just have to be the right reasons.
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Post by soxcentral on Nov 1, 2013 12:33:43 GMT -5
Guidas, I would actually agree completely with what you said. Having the best team, one of the best minor league systems, and payroll flexibility I'd be disappointed if we didn't try to make moves that favor us no matter who it is.
I'm only arguing against the 'WE HAVE 6 STARTERS BUT ONLY 5 ROTATION SPOTS SO WE HAVE TO MAKE A TRADE' mentality.
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Post by ancientsoxfogey on Nov 1, 2013 12:39:11 GMT -5
Guidas, I would actually agree completely with what you said. Having the best team, one of the best minor league systems, and payroll flexibility I'd be disappointed if we didn't try to make moves that favor us no matter who it is. I'm only arguing against the 'WE HAVE 6 STARTERS BUT ONLY 5 ROTATION SPOTS SO WE HAVE TO MAKE A TRADE' mentality. Heck yeah -- If you have only 6 clear starters, that's specifically a reason NOT to make a trade. Attrition being what it is, a club probably needs to know where their 6th, 7th, and maybe 8th starters are coming from. Similarly, you need close to a dozen relievers for the 25-man and in the pipeline.
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Post by soxcentral on Nov 1, 2013 12:46:23 GMT -5
Guidas, I would actually agree completely with what you said. Having the best team, one of the best minor league systems, and payroll flexibility I'd be disappointed if we didn't try to make moves that favor us no matter who it is. I'm only arguing against the 'WE HAVE 6 STARTERS BUT ONLY 5 ROTATION SPOTS SO WE HAVE TO MAKE A TRADE' mentality. Heck yeah -- If you have only 6 clear starters, that's specifically a reason NOT to make a trade. Attrition being what it is, a club probably needs to know where their 6th, 7th, and maybe 8th starters are coming from. Similarly, you need close to a dozen relievers for the 25-man and in the pipeline. Exactly. Having depth in the rotation is a strength I'm not giving up lightly just to have clear cut roles going in to spring training.
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Post by ancientsoxfogey on Nov 1, 2013 13:10:58 GMT -5
And I'll even expand further and suggest that, having just won the WS, the Sox DON'T have to be in win-now mode. Though to keep guys like Pedroia and [especially] a toward-the-end-of-his-career Ortiz happy, the team has to at least keep a highly competitive team on the field.
But with the end of Ortiz' career somewhere on the horizon, it may be time to make some high-leverage and perhaps at least medium-risk trades to try to bring in promising middle-of-the-lineup hitters for the longer-term future of the club. Rizzo and Stanton would be two high-visibility names, either or both of which would be tempting to go after if the opportunity presented itself. I could understand the Sox parting with Doubront as part of a package for either of those two. I can see two of Webster/Ranaudo/Barnes/Owens moving on. One of Coyle and Betts might be an intriguing extra sweetener, and it would clear the Portland logjam next year, and even Ceccini might be fair game. One thing I would NOT get rid of, though, is either of Vasquez or Swihart. Catching is SO hard to develop that I'd like to keep those guys in the mix. Or to put it the other way, if we really do have to move one of them to get one of these guys, I'd really like to see the Sox get BOTH of them. That's the only way I could countenance losing one of the future catchers.
Whatever we do regarding the catching, I do NOT see David Ross playing 60 games + playoffs next season. So I think we HAVE to have catching arrangements besides Ross that cover at least 120 games.
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Post by rjp313jr on Nov 1, 2013 13:17:35 GMT -5
Nick Cafardo ?@nickcafardo 3m Also from Boras, Stephen Drew went to the eye doctor before Game 6, got some new contact lenses and homered and hit the ball hard 3 times. He started hitting the ball hard in Game 5. I don't know if the eye doctor story is true, but he had showed promise in Game 5. In fact, if game 5 weather was as warm as game 6 weather that ball he hit is probably gone. There is no way that this front office will make a move for Joe Mauer. It would go against every philosophy they have just subscribed to to win the WS. I wouldn't trade Carp. he is probably undervalued and I'd bet even money he could match Napoli's numbers right now. He's cheap, plays 3 positions (1B , OF, DH) and most of all he's left handed. The team lacks power threats, he's one of the few they have. I'd never say never, but I don't see why the Sox should give up the prospects and salary for Mauer. He's a good hitter and actually perfect for this lineup regardless of position, but the prospect cost is too high - i'm in agreement this isn't happening. I agree with not trading Carp, but for different reasons. I suppose if there really is a severe roster crunch then you may have no choice, but I don't really see that as being the case here. Didn't we just go through a season with all these guys on the roster together that worked out well? Having a good pinch hitter is great and his cost is low. Why not just use him in that regard? He reminds me of Reggie Jefferson. Pinch hitting isn't easy and he's shown he MAY be very good at it. I think the bigger issue is with getting a major league caliber centerfielder in AAA who can fill in for short spurts if there are injury problems. Having Bradley last year was valuable in this role. If he's the starting CF then that's a role that needs to be filled. They may feel Brentz or Hassan can fill in at a corner slot, but you probably want that defensive centerfielder. Is an outfield of Gomes, Victorino and Nava something you want to run out there for an extended stretch? Of course not, but in the regular season you can get away with stuff like that for periods of time if necessary. No team is perfect when injuries come up. Hello....we just won the world series didn't we. To me that is "win now". Do I really have to even respond to this issue also? I'm not saying we are going to go into "win now" mode but a strong case could be made that we should be in that mode for the next few years. Tell me you guys are joking please! didn't this years team show you that you can build for the future and still "win now". BC went into the year with a veteran team that could compete if they stayed healthy and performed. They did and won. He took this approach to give the system time to grow so he could build the "next great Red Sox team". I don't see how the fact that they won the World Series makes them divert from their plan and trade the guys from the system. This year was a resounding success all around. World Series and the system grew. There are a bunch of guys on the cusp of the major leagues who should be able to be worked in throughout this season. Spots and opportunities ALWAYS open up during the course of a 162 game season. Webster, De La Rosa, Ranaudo, etc will all get chances to pitch in the majors in meaningful roles without being given a spot going into the season. No need to Rush or force things with payroll not being an issue.
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Post by jmei on Nov 1, 2013 13:47:17 GMT -5
Some preliminary under-the-radar free agent position player names to keep an eye on: Kurt Suzuki Mike Morse David Murphy Chris Young Casper Wells
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Post by johnsilver52 on Nov 1, 2013 13:52:38 GMT -5
Young is intriguing as a 4th OF JMEI, but think like Raja Davis somebody will in the end over pay him and give him a job as a starter.
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Post by jmei on Nov 1, 2013 14:15:30 GMT -5
I think if Ellsbury walks, the Red Sox have the financial flexibility to overpay for a guy like a Chris Young or a David Murphy to be an excellent 4th outfielder who will probably rack up 300+ PAs due to platoon situations and injury fill-ins, similar to what they did with Gomes last year. For reference, Fangraphs crowdsourcing thinks Murphy will get two years and $12.7m and that Young will get two years and $13.6m. I would love if the front office gets one of those guys (or David Dejesus, a similar though older player) on a deal in the range of two years and $16m. Of course, the projected roster would only have room for a player like that if one of Gomes/Nava/Carp is traded or Napoli is not re-signed, so this may all be a moot discussion.
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Post by rjp313jr on Nov 1, 2013 14:23:51 GMT -5
Chris Young is a way better fit than Murphy for his ability to play centerfield.... he'd be a good addition for sure if Elsbury isn't back and you're relying on Bradley to play center.
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Post by mredsox89 on Nov 1, 2013 14:31:44 GMT -5
As much as I'd love to see a guy like Tanaka with the Sox next season, he's going to cost an absolute fortune. Though if his actual contract for the books isn't bad, then I'm all for it. It will be interesting to see how the posting fee vs. contract works out since many expect him to be the most expensive import in MLB history
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Nov 1, 2013 14:43:00 GMT -5
As much as I'd love to see a guy like Tanaka with the Sox next season, he's going to cost an absolute fortune. Though if his actual contract for the books isn't bad, then I'm all for it. It will be interesting to see how the posting fee vs. contract works out since many expect him to be the most expensive import in MLB history Keeping him away from the Yanks is something you have to think about as well. I'm no expert but that much I know.
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Post by johnsilver52 on Nov 1, 2013 14:44:50 GMT -5
I'd honestly take on the chances of Young finding his bat again at Fenway over trying to negotiate a LT contract with Napoli. Especially if Young could be came to terms with in the area you mentioned as possibilities, or even a tad higher, like 2y and 13-15m range.
I watched him many times with Oakland this past season and he was pretty streaky, yes, but think his RH bat may be another of those that could come back to life as did Cody Ross's at fenway, plus this guy has some speed and unlike Ross.. Isn't a liability in CF.
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jimoh
Veteran
Posts: 3,986
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Post by jimoh on Nov 1, 2013 15:15:31 GMT -5
www.gammonsdaily.com/peter-gammons-red-sox-top-5-free-agent-targets/" Carlos Beltran...Boston scout Edgar Diaz is one of Beltran’s closest friends, as is Alex Cora, whose ties to the Red Sox remain tight. Mike Pelfrey, RH Rel. ...Pelfrey had his power sinker up to 93-95 off Tommy John Surgery Brian Wilson. ... He was 96-97 coming back from surgery. Willie Bloomquist. ... who will be 36 this month, can play second, short, third, left and right, he had a .317/.360/.367/.727 line and is a tough, hard-nosed character who’d fit this team’s makeup. Brian McCann... could be a Boston possibility as a catcher, first baseman and eventual DH. “Never underestimate how close Brian is to David Ross,” says one Braves front office member"
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Post by johnsilver52 on Nov 1, 2013 16:23:28 GMT -5
Franklin Gutierrez had his 7.5m option for 2014 declined by Seattle. This guy can flat out pick it in CF and play both corners as well. Good arm also.
Anyone who can play CF at spacious Seattle can play it anywhere. Injury issues last couple of years, could be a classic buy low type guy as a 4/5th type OF.
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Post by threeifbaerga on Nov 1, 2013 16:24:23 GMT -5
I'd like to see Casper Wells brought in. He's a good left handed bat off the bench against right handers.
Well not that I necessarily think they need that or that there aren't better options out there, but I grew up with his sisters and his AIM screen name was "YankeeBound(combination of numbers)" so I'd love to see him in a Sox uni.
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Post by soxfanatic on Nov 1, 2013 16:27:23 GMT -5
Rob Bradford ?@bradfo 2m Per source, Red Sox have activated Jon Lester's $13 million option for next season
Surprising
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Post by soxfanatic on Nov 1, 2013 16:27:50 GMT -5
Franklin Gutierrez had his 7.5m option for 2014 declined by Seattle. This guy can flat out pick it in CF and play both corners as well. Good arm also. Anyone who can play CF at spacious Seattle can play it anywhere. Injury issues last couple of years, could be a classic buy low type guy as a 4/5th type OF. Agreed, potential bargain there.
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Post by nebraska4sox on Nov 1, 2013 16:31:49 GMT -5
Gutierrez has pretty good pop in his bat when he can stay on the field.
He would be a good pickup if the deal was right
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Post by Legion of Bloom on Nov 1, 2013 16:32:02 GMT -5
I'd like to see Casper Wells brought in. He's a good left handed bat off the bench against right handers. Well not that I necessarily think they need that or that there aren't better options out there, but I grew up with his sisters and his AIM screen name was "YankeeBound(combination of numbers)" so I'd love to see him in a Sox uni. Pretty sure Casper Wells is a RHH.
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Post by jmei on Nov 1, 2013 16:41:55 GMT -5
Gutierrez's fielding numbers have just fallen off a cliff in 2012 and 2013. Maybe some of that is due to injury, but it's telling that the Mariners played him more in RF than CF last year despite the alternatives being Michael Saunders, Dustin Ackley, and Endy Chavez (all of whom are bad-to-terrible defensive center fielders by all metrics). He's certainly one of the riskier outfield options, especially since he hasn't really hit since 2009 (last year's likely SSS boost in power notwithstanding).
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Post by FenwayFanatic on Nov 1, 2013 17:11:29 GMT -5
I heard Napoli's agent said his client would not accept another one year deal.
Do we let Nap go and take the pick? Or sign him to 3/39?
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Post by soxfanatic on Nov 1, 2013 17:15:44 GMT -5
I heard Napoli's agent said his client would not accept another one year deal. Do we let Nap go and take the pick? Or sign him to 3/39? Not like there are many others options. Still pretty bummed that we didn't land Abreu, but at the price it was likely the right move. We could fix it from within with Carp/Nava and acquire a right handed bat. Edit: Or we could sign McCann and rotate him between catcher and first base.
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