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2014-15 offseason discussion
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Post by jrffam05 on Jun 11, 2014 12:34:46 GMT -5
With the uncertainty surrounding the 2014 season I would like to take a look forward to the 2015 season. There are multiple views on this board determining if the Red Sox should be buyers, sellers, or stand pat for now. I just wanted to pull together a consolidated thread were we talk about 2015 roster creation. Summary: Per Cots Red Sox have 78.6M committed to 2015 ---- spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tz8qHiYrIzlFtVnly7gibjw&output=htmlUnder Contract with 2015 salary: Mike Napoli 1B 16M David Ortiz DH 16M Shane Victorino RF/DL 13M Dustin Pedroia 2B 12.6M Clay Buchholz SP 12.2M Edward Mujica RP 4.8M Team Options: John Lackey League minimum Craig Breslow 4M (need confirmation) Free Agents: Lester SP Uehara RP Miller RP Peavy SP Dempster SP Drew SS Pierzynski C Gomes LF Ross C Capuano SP/RP Badenhop RP Sizemore OF Anyone not listed is under team control, pending arbitration/contract renewal Free agents: www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/2015-mlb-free-agents.htmlPrelim FA power rankings: www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/04/2015-free-agent-power-rankings.htmlDefined roles (under contract/team control only): Lackey #2 Starter Buchholz #3 Starter Doubrount #5 Starter Tazawa RP Breslow LRP Mujica RP Ortiz DH Pedroia 2B Napoli 1B Bogaerts SS/3B Victorino RF/DL Undefined roles On Roster: Nava OF platoon Carp OF/1B platoon Middlebrooks Potential 3B starter Brock Holt Utility (non SS) Herrera Utility (SS) Bradley CF Prospects for opening day: Workman SP/RP Del la Rosa SP/RP Barnes SP/RP Ranaudo SP/RP Webster SP/RP Betts 2B/CF Cecchini 3B Brentz RF Britton RP Vazquez C Shaw 1B Wilson RP Midseason potential call ups: Swihart C Marrero SS Owens SP Johnson SP Depth players: Lavarnway C Butler C Wright SP Hernandez SP/RP Hassan OF I'm sure there are players I missed or mis-categorized, but I think this is a solid straw man of the roster Sox Prospects Projected Roster: www.soxprospects.com/2015.htm
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Post by jrffam05 on Jun 11, 2014 12:35:13 GMT -5
My Response. I am against a big sell this season because the FA market is pretty weak. Lester, Uehara, and Miller are major pieces that we don’t have replacements for. Capuano, Badenhop, and Gomes could fit next year too. I’m expecting that out of the 5 AAA starters (including Workman and RDL) for one to take a starting spot and another a bullpen spot to start 2015. I think that expectation is reasonable.
The problem with the position players in 2015 is C, OF, and which ever left side IF spot Bogaerts isn’t playing. I think I have a creative way to fix part of this. I would put Betts at SS, and move Bogaerts to 3B. WMB takes Gomes spot as Nava’s new platoon partner in LF. I like this set up a lot because it gives us great flexibility and we should get good OPS out of these three spots. I don’t think Betts will hit for much power in the majors, but he should have solid contact, plate approach, and infield defense. He could handle SS IMO, and if he could OBP .350 the spot is his. This also gives us 2 players on the roster with the ability to play SS with Bogaerts, so we don’t have to carry a guy like Herrera and can go with Holt as utility man. Middlebrooks becomes somewhat of a utility guy, playing LF, 3B, and I would also make him available for 2B and 1B in emergencies. Between Middlebrooks only hitting against LHP and Nava only hitting against RHP we should get at least average production from LF.
CF and RF gets a little messy, as there really are not many good FA options out there. I wouldn’t take the jobs away for JBJ and Victorino yet, because at a minimum they will play premium defense, but I think we need to add a piece here to compliment them. As I said, there aren’t many options. Colby Rasmus??? Power and defense are good, but has been a streaky, low OBP player who won’t have bystanders stealing pitch signs for him anymore. Catcher there are not any great options either. Vazquez takes the backup spot. Look at Buck, Martin, Soto as a free agent ad.
I’d offer, with some flexibility Lester 5 Year 110M, Vester/mutual option for 6th Uehara 1 year 8M Miller 3 year 18M
Edit: I would exercise both Lackey and Breslow's options.
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Post by okin15 on Jun 11, 2014 13:31:55 GMT -5
I think you have to sign either Uehara or Miller. I'd strongly consider offering the former a QO. We really frigging need multiple tiers of restricted free agency (that's what the QO is).
I like the Holt/WMB platoon at 3B, with Holt also playing some OF, and spelling the other two IF positions.
I think you want Gomes or another similar player back to be the RHH OF.
If they don't trade Workman, then I'm OK with letting Peavy and Lester walk. That gives you Lackey, Buchholz, Workman, RDLR, Doubront and Webster as your top 6, with Owens, Barnes and Ranaudo backing them up. Ideally Doubront moves out of the rotation early in the season to allow the others in.
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Post by jmei on Jun 11, 2014 14:33:49 GMT -5
One of the problems with the outfield is that you can't really platoon more than one of those spots, and none of the incumbent outfielders are good enough that they should be starting full-time. Victorino is probably the best of them, but his injury issues means you have to have a strong backup, which only leaves one bench slot to platoon with.
My off the cuff proposal would be: LF: Josh Willingham or Alex Rios (plays every game vs. LHP, some of the games vs. RHP) CF: Betts RF: Victorino BN: Bradley (CF/RF) BN: Daniel Nava (LF/1B) (plays most the games versus RHP)
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Post by The Town Sports Cards on Jun 11, 2014 14:52:07 GMT -5
Here's my predicted Opening Day Roster: C Christian Vazquez 1B Mike Napoli 2B Dustin Pedroia SS Xander Bogaerts 3B Will Middlebrooks LF Daniel Nava CF Jackie Bradley RF Shane Victorino DH David Ortiz BN Dan Butler/Free Agent BN Mike Carp BN Brock Holt BN Alex Hassan/Bryce Brentz/Free Agent OF
SP Jon Lester SP John Lackey SP Clay Buchholz SP Brandon Workman SP Rubby De La Rosa RP Felix Doubront RP Craig Breslow RP Edward Mujica RP Drake Britton RP Alex Wilson/Free Agent RP Free Agent RP Junichi Tazawa CL Koji Uehara
Notes: -Resign Lester and Koji, while the rest walk (maybe Miller is brought back but I bet he gets an over priced contract somewhere else) -I leave off Betts, because I'll bet he opens in AAA (Even with a hot Spring, they won't want to chance a repeat of the Bradley 2013 mistake) -Middlebrooks and Holt share time at 3B, with Holt also roving to other positions to give guys rest -Doubront is moved to the bullpen or traded for a relief pitcher (possible backup Closer as Koji gets another year older) -A few spots (backup catcher, 4th OF'er, middle reliever) I put in an in-house solution, along with the possibility of a free agent signing -This assumes Bradley and Nava play up to early season expectations for the 2nd half. If both continue to under-perform, then there's more of a chance someone like Hassan, Brentz, Betts, or Holt move to the OF and a free agent CF-capable player is brought in
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Post by gregblossersbelly on Jun 11, 2014 16:29:47 GMT -5
Here's my predicted Opening Day Roster: C Christian Vazquez 1B Mike Napoli 2B Dustin Pedroia SS Xander Bogaerts 3B Will Middlebrooks LF Daniel Nava CF Jackie Bradley RF Shane Victorino DH David Ortiz BN Dan Butler/Free Agent BN Mike Carp BN Brock Holt BN Alex Hassan/Bryce Brentz/Free Agent OF SP Jon Lester SP John Lackey SP Clay Buchholz SP Brandon Workman SP Rubby De La Rosa RP Felix Doubront RP Craig Breslow RP Edward Mujica RP Drake Britton RP Alex Wilson/Free Agent RP Free Agent RP Junichi Tazawa CL Koji Uehara Notes: -Resign Lester and Koji, while the rest walk (maybe Miller is brought back but I bet he gets an over priced contract somewhere else) -I leave off Betts, because I'll bet he opens in AAA (Even with a hot Spring, they won't want to chance a repeat of the Bradley 2013 mistake) -Middlebrooks and Holt share time at 3B, with Holt also roving to other positions to give guys rest -Doubront is moved to the bullpen or traded for a relief pitcher (possible backup Closer as Koji gets another year older) -A few spots (backup catcher, 4th OF'er, middle reliever) I put in an in-house solution, along with the possibility of a free agent signing -This assumes Bradley and Nava play up to early season expectations for the 2nd half. If both continue to under-perform, then there's more of a chance someone like Hassan, Brentz, Betts, or Holt move to the OF and a free agent CF-capable player is brought in I'll be ticked if we lose the salaries of; Peavy, AJP, Gomes, Miller, Badenhop and a reduced Lackey from this year and don't bring anyone in from outside the organization. We need a LH bat. I'd sign Melky Cabrera 3/39m. The Victorino contract. Nava can play when Victorino is hurt which is a lot. Give Melky a blow and back-up 1b. I'd send him to Winter League somewhere to play 1b every day. Hoping Mookie can play CF and lead-off , rest of bench is Bradley, Holt and some JAG catcher. Like you mentioned, gotta keep; Lester, Lackey and Koji.
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Post by jrffam05 on Jun 11, 2014 16:34:45 GMT -5
One thing, we really can't end up in the no man's land this year. I can't see us being very good in 2015 without signing aat least 1 qualifying offer guy (or big name trade). We have to either make the playoffs or be in the bottom 10. Kind of stinks that is how the rules are set up.
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ericmvan
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Post by ericmvan on Jun 11, 2014 16:59:09 GMT -5
The Sox need to improve on defense before they're going to contend. If you want to understand how the A's have a +124 run differential after only 65 games, take a look at Fangraphs' list of defensive runs saved. Josh Donaldson, Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Reddick are ranked #3, #15 and #16, respectively. At the major league level, the Sox have nobody whose arm baserunners need worry about. With Drew out, they have a porous left side of the infield. And, until they call up Vasquez, they don't have a catcher capable of shutting down an opposing team's running game. The Sox pitching staff is fine, especially with all the young arms ready to come up. The offensive pieces are fine albeit batting in the wrong order. The problem with this team is defense or a lack thereof. The team is 11th in UZR at +4, and 14th in DRS at +5. They are 21st in wRC+, 23rd in offensive fWAR, and 29th in offensive WPA. Last year they were 1st in offensive WPA. If the offensive had been as good and as clutch as last year, they'd be 38-27.
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Post by jdb on Jun 11, 2014 17:26:20 GMT -5
One of the problems with the outfield is that you can't really platoon more than one of those spots, and none of the incumbent outfielders are good enough that they should be starting full-time. Victorino is probably the best of them, but his injury issues means you have to have a strong backup, which only leaves one bench slot to platoon with. My off the cuff proposal would be: LF: Josh Willingham or Alex Rios (plays every game vs. LHP, some of the games vs. RHP) CF: Betts RF: Victorino BN: Bradley (CF/RF) BN: Daniel Nava (LF/1B) (plays most the games versus RHP) Rios has a team option that should be picked up but I wouldn't mind Willingham. I'd make a run at Russell Martin and ease Vazquez into the mix at C. Also it will be interesting to see if/when Despaigne signs. I wouldn't be opposed to a Holt/Middlebrooks platoon and see if WMBs finally takes that step. If we're out of it I hope we get him regular ABs this season.
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Post by jdb on Jun 11, 2014 18:52:21 GMT -5
Balder from BA has tweeted a few times Carbonell seems to be overrated. I honestly don't know a ton about Despaigne but most reports have his bat comparable to Abreu. I'd take that in LF.
Badler tweet
Better prospect to the media than he is to scouts. Castillo, Igelsias are the guys. RT @sportsplum71 what's the deal with Daniel Carbonell?
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Post by jmei on Jun 11, 2014 19:11:33 GMT -5
Here's some Carbonell video: He looks like a fine athlete with good speed and a decent arm, but I'm not sure he can hit. His career triple-slash in Cuba was a pretty mediocre .287/.359/.398, and he's basically had only one season where he's been an above-average hitter in the Cuban league. That was his latest season in Cuba, but even in that season, he struck out almost twice as much as the league average, which is scary as hell. He's still very young and looks toolsy with upside, but I don't think he's a plug-and-play MLB starter.
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Post by Guidas on Jun 12, 2014 10:30:22 GMT -5
Here's some Carbonell video: He looks like a fine athlete with good speed and a decent arm, but I'm not sure he can hit. His career triple-slash in Cuba was a pretty mediocre .287/.359/.398, and he's basically had only one season where he's been an above-average hitter in the Cuban league. That was his latest season in Cuba, but even in that season, he struck out almost twice as much as the league average, which is scary as hell. He's still very young and looks toolsy with upside, but I don't think he's a plug-and-play MLB starter. Then again, he's 23 so if they think he's as talented defensively as JBJ and that swing is something they can work with, he could be something. I don't know at all. I believe he's a switch hitter though. Love to see his splits, and love to know how he did vs. Cuba's elite pitchers and any international competition. If teams are backing off he could actually become a value buy. Meanwhile, I wonder what it would take to pry Maybin from SD. And yes, I realize that would mean including Barnes and/or Owens in any package, and I'm good with that.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Jun 12, 2014 10:51:40 GMT -5
With the increases in salaries of Tulo & Cargo, Cargo is almost a lock to be traded. Considering how much we have coming off the books and his all around talent, he seems like a perfect fit.
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Post by charliezink16 on Jun 12, 2014 11:03:26 GMT -5
Here's my predicted Opening Day Roster: C Christian Vazquez 1B Mike Napoli 2B Dustin Pedroia SS Xander Bogaerts 3B Will Middlebrooks LF Daniel Nava CF Jackie Bradley RF Shane Victorino DH David Ortiz BN Dan Butler/Free Agent BN Mike Carp BN Brock Holt BN Alex Hassan/Bryce Brentz/Free Agent OF SP Jon Lester SP John Lackey SP Clay Buchholz SP Brandon Workman SP Rubby De La Rosa RP Felix Doubront RP Craig Breslow RP Edward Mujica RP Drake Britton RP Alex Wilson/Free Agent RP Free Agent RP Junichi Tazawa CL Koji Uehara Notes: -Resign Lester and Koji, while the rest walk (maybe Miller is brought back but I bet he gets an over priced contract somewhere else) -I leave off Betts, because I'll bet he opens in AAA (Even with a hot Spring, they won't want to chance a repeat of the Bradley 2013 mistake) -Middlebrooks and Holt share time at 3B, with Holt also roving to other positions to give guys rest -Doubront is moved to the bullpen or traded for a relief pitcher (possible backup Closer as Koji gets another year older) -A few spots (backup catcher, 4th OF'er, middle reliever) I put in an in-house solution, along with the possibility of a free agent signing -This assumes Bradley and Nava play up to early season expectations for the 2nd half. If both continue to under-perform, then there's more of a chance someone like Hassan, Brentz, Betts, or Holt move to the OF and a free agent CF-capable player is brought in I don't see anyway that we stand pat with the outfield the way it is. My best guess is that we start the season w/ JBJ in CF and Victorino in RF. For the first week of the season that is, until Vic gets hurt and Mookie comes into the picture. Mookie, JBJ, and Vic will share CF/RF. As for LF, Gomes leaves as a free agent, and Nava becomes the primary UTIL guy, backing up LF, RF, and 1B. Who starts in LF? My guess is that we end up dealing for one of Yoenis Cespedes, Giancarlo Stanton, Alex Gordon, or Jason Heyward. If it were to be Heyward, I'd say Betts/JBJ/Heyward, otherwise the others would be in LF. Regardless, there's a plethora of prospects sitting in the minors that we don't urgently need.
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Post by jmei on Jun 12, 2014 11:09:09 GMT -5
Here's some Carbonell video: He looks like a fine athlete with good speed and a decent arm, but I'm not sure he can hit. His career triple-slash in Cuba was a pretty mediocre .287/.359/.398, and he's basically had only one season where he's been an above-average hitter in the Cuban league. That was his latest season in Cuba, but even in that season, he struck out almost twice as much as the league average, which is scary as hell. He's still very young and looks toolsy with upside, but I don't think he's a plug-and-play MLB starter. Then again, he's 23 so if they think he's as talented defensively as JBJ and that swing is something they can work with, he could be something. I don't know at all. I believe he's a switch hitter though. Love to see his splits, and love to know how he did vs. Cuba's elite pitchers and any international competition. If teams are backing off he could actually become a value buy. He has upside, but there's almost certainly no chance that he's better than Bradley right now. If that's the case, he shouldn't factor into the 2014/15 MLB picture and would be more of a prospect signing (a la Iglesias in 09). I also think the idea of cutting small samples into even smaller samples is a fool's errand. Scouting him vs. top competition may be useful, but looking at those splits almost certainly isn't, even if they were available.
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Post by redsox04071318champs on Jun 12, 2014 13:26:33 GMT -5
Kind of early to be doing this, but a fun exercise:
Starting Lineup:
DH: Ortiz C: 1 year rental - not AJP 1B: Napoli 2B: Pedroia SS: Bogaerts 3B: Cecchini LF: Free agent to be acquired CF: Betts RF: Victorino
Reserves C: Vazquez 1B-OF: Nava (Carp dealt) UT: Holt OF: Bradley
Starters: Lester (I am hopeful the Sox will sign him) Lackey (The Sox will give him more money more 2015 and extend him a season) Free Agent signee Buchholz (poised for the DL) Doubront
Relievers: Uehara (Really hoping the Sox re-sign him) Tazawa Workman De La Rosa Mujica (unfortunately) Lefty Free Agent Signee 1 Lefty Free Agent Signee 2
Marrero and Brentz waiting in the wings if they needed. Webster and Ranaudo waiting in the wings if needed. Owens and Swihart getting used to AAA but around for May if needed.
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Post by jrffam05 on Jun 16, 2014 10:40:09 GMT -5
I am really starting to consider the Red Sox sellers at this point of the season. I wasn't ready to write them off after the 10 game losing streak, but the window is starting to close very quickly on their playoff odds. They need to play at a .581 winning percentage to get to 85 wins and a possible wildcard spot. The wildcard sport is of course a one game playoff before the real playoffs start. Pete Abraham lays out the scenario and trade-able pieces nicely here: www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/06/16/red-sox-have-plenty-offer-trade-market/KBQHis0Fk04TVWXxvMqRcK/story.htmlThe catch here is the Red Sox have to determine A) will they be contenders in 2015, and B) if they will be, what pieces of this year's team will be needed next year. The most complex piece is Lester. It is hard for us fans to gauge because we have not been at the negotiation table, and the only number we heard was 4Y/70M, which everyone should have known Lester would turn down. The Sox on the other hand should already know at this moment if they are close enough to Lester's number or not. The last 3 months of this year should not affect their evaluation of him outside of an injury. The wrong choice here, IMO, is to let Lester walk for a QO. If we do not expect him back he should be traded, and although he is a 1/2 season rental the return should be much greater than the value of a comp pick. The next most complex is Lackey, but once again the Red Sox should already have enough information to know what they are going to do with him next year. He has been a great pitcher post surgery, and I would be against trading him but the value is there. Orioles would make a ton of sense here, as a team with the capability to give us aback a pitcher who can contribute in 2015. Also a good opportunity to package in a catcher. Uehara would be a great fit on any contending team. He is not worth a qualifying offer, and will be getting overpaid 2 Year deals in the open market for his age 40-41 seasons. Ultimately I think Henry will do what ever is worth the most money. Keeping the broad fan base semi interested by keeping the star players will be worth more monetarily than building for the future and angering the fan base, so I don't see a big sell in the future. From a baseball operations view, I would trade Lester (if they don't resign), Peavy, Uehara, Drew, Both catchers, Gomes, and if anyone would bite Victorino, Doubrount, and Sizemore. This move should also assure us to stay out of what I call the no man zone between a protect draft pick and a playoff spot. I still think the best allocation of our resources seeing a starting 2015 team with Betts at SS, Bogaerts at 3B, and Middlebrooks and Nava platooning LF, with Middlebrooks having utility capability. Also let's us keep Holt as a utility man. Edit: I know I am in the minority on this alignment, I am just not sure why.
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Post by jmei on Jun 16, 2014 11:31:44 GMT -5
Ultimately I think Henry will do what ever is worth the most money. Keeping the broad fan base semi interested by keeping the star players will be worth more monetarily than building for the future and angering the fan base, so I don't see a big sell in the future. I think that this is a really overplayed narrative. By this point in the season, tickets are sold and advertising contracts are locked in. If the team is bad in August and September, they won't lose much money this year. Lower attendance/ratings in the second-half of 2014 may hurt revenue in future years, but they can earn that back if trading away pieces improves the long-term winning potential of the organization. If they were willing to sell in 2012, they're probably going to be willing to sell in 2014. This ownership group has always been about maximizing the long-term value of the franchise as opposed to chasing year-to-year profits. If they think the organization as a whole is better-served by selling at the deadline, they'll probably be willing to do so. I still think the best allocation of our resources seeing a starting 2015 team with Betts at SS, Bogaerts at 3B, and Middlebrooks and Nava platooning LF, with Middlebrooks having utility capability. Also let's us keep Holt as a utility man. Edit: I know I am in the minority on this alignment, I am just not sure why. The logic is that if Bogaerts can stick at SS defensively, you want to leave him there as long as possible (it's a lot easier to find a plus 3B than a plus SS), while Betts might not be able to stick at SS. Now, I'm not 100% sure I agree with that logic (both because I'm not sure Bogaerts is a good enough defensive SS while I think Betts just adds so much more value at SS as opposed to CF), but the front office seems to, at least judging by their recent actions (giving Betts reps at CF instead of SS, repeatedly emphasizing that Bogaerts is the SS of the future).
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Post by okin15 on Jun 16, 2014 11:38:26 GMT -5
Good news is, we've got another month-plus to determine whether we have to sell. I think Gomes (intangibles and all), Lester, Uehara, Drew and Pierzinski are all good trade candidates (unless we go on a real tear right now). Peavy could help a contender as well, especially if they need a 5th starter upgrade. That would allow us to try Betts at CF, WMB in LF, Vasquez in the bigs, some of the SP in full-time rotation spots, and see what we've got to fill 3B.
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Post by mgoetze on Jun 16, 2014 11:56:21 GMT -5
The catch here is the Red Sox have to determine A) will they be contenders in 2015, and B) if they will be, what pieces of this year's team will be needed next year. I see no reason they shouldn't be able to contend in 2015. As such, I would much rather extend Lackey than trade him. Uehara is a phenomenon and I wouldn't want to bet against him being able to dominate even at age 40, but it's perfectly possible to win with lesser relievers, so I would move him for the right offer. Lester... yeah, as you said, we don't have enough information on that.
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Post by oilcansman on Jun 16, 2014 12:02:53 GMT -5
If the Sox aren't going to go to 6 years on Lester, he needs to be traded. A first round pick is not enough of a return for him. Uehara has significant value. Too dangerous to give him two to three years after this season. The goal should be to get young outfield help. The minor league system has failed dreadfully in developing young outfielders. The problem is Lester and Uehara will return good minor league players (think Garin Cecchini, Sean Coyle, Maneul Margot impact level)but not players that will be impact players next year.
I can't imagine a team would give much for Gomes. Badenhop and Miller are interesting. Each should bring back a mid level prospect (think Henry Ramos, Stankiewicz, Corey Littrell).
The mid year dump could be far more interesting than if the team just meanders along and wins 78-82 games.
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ericmvan
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Post by ericmvan on Jun 18, 2014 4:18:40 GMT -5
I can't find a better recent thread to put this info, but it's definitely relevant to assessing where we are.
This is what guys have done offensively this year, in terms of PECOTA projection:
Pierzynski 44% (44th percentile outcome) Napoli 50% Pedroia 17% Bogaerts 55% Middlebrooks << 10% Nava <<<10% Bradley <<10% Victorino <<10% Ortiz 32%
Sizemore 18% Gomes 56% Holt 91%
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Jun 19, 2014 4:59:15 GMT -5
Decided this should be here rather than the game thread. Focusing on the pen:
We have one of the best bullpens in baseball. It's cost is $20.4m. We have Mujica signed for next year, an option on Breslow that I wouldn't expect the Sox to exercise and Tazawa arbitration eligible who will make somewhere near $2m+ (Just my rough quess, lot's of SP posters are far better at that than I am).
Mujica 4.75 (4.75 next year) Uehara 4.25 Breslow 3.85 (4.0 club option w/ .1 buyout) Capuano 2.25 Badenhop 2.125 Miller 1.903 Tazawa 1.275
I would guess that the Sox will spend between 20 and $25m on their pen next year. Miller, Koji and Badenhop are likely to cost significantly more next year than this year. Even if we replace Breslow and Capuano with minimum wage earners, we're going to need to make some tough choices.
To me, this situation increases the odds that one of RDLR or Webster is in our pen in 2015 but that's my speculation.
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Post by godot on Jun 19, 2014 7:23:21 GMT -5
Focusing on the pen: We have one of the best bullpens in baseball. It's cost is $20.4m. We have Mujica signed for next year, an option on Breslow that I wouldn't expect the Sox to exercise and Tazawa arbitration eligible who will make somewhere near $2m+. Mujica 4.75 (4.75 next year) Uehara 4.25 Breslow 3.85 (4.0 club option w/ .1 buyout) Capuano 2.25 Badenhop 2.125 Miller 1.903 Tazawa 1.275 I would guess that the Sox will spend between 20 and $25m on their pen next year. Miller, Koji and Badenhop are likely to cost significantly more next year than this year. They should be able to afford it. I wonder, though, what will become of their young pitchers at AAA next year. Can some end up in he pen? "Pitching gluts" can vaporize fast, but if Clay and Felix rebound and Lester and Lackey stay, there is one slot for about five guys. Of course, if Lester flees this all changes.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Jun 19, 2014 8:25:30 GMT -5
They can probably afford it in terms of payroll but how wise is it to allocate more than that to a bullpen assuming a fixed budget ?
LOL, That's a lot of ifs.
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