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Post by honkbal on Dec 17, 2012 14:01:22 GMT -5
Because the current version of 2005 Josh Beckett isn't on the market.
Also: at the time, Hanley's stock had taken a dip--there were concerns, if I remember correctly, that he wasn't a hard worker and had an ego that was hindering his development.
AlsoAlso: The Sox were coming off a 95 win season and that was the kind of deal that teams make when they are going for it in the short term.
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Post by Chris Hatfield on Dec 19, 2012 1:45:47 GMT -5
I wouldn't say counting on so much as left with as his only choice--trading Xander to improve this year's staff probably doesn't count as a real choice. Less than a decade ago we traded a super hot AA SS prospect for a proven ace and got a world series title out of the deal. Why wouldn't Ben look to duplicate that feat? Because he'd have to make the rest of the team as good as the 2007 team first. You make that deal when you're a 2007 Josh Beckett away from having a WS contender. You don't make that deal when you're a 2007 Josh Beckett away from contending for a playoff spot.
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Post by Oregon Norm on Dec 19, 2012 9:09:10 GMT -5
It might be good to remember that even the best pitchers go through difficult times and many recover nicely. It was just a few years ago that no one was willing to give a dime for Cliff Lee's chances. It's been the same forever in baseball.
At 28 and 27, respectively, it may be a little early to write off Lester and Buccholz just yet.
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Post by sibbysisti on Dec 19, 2012 11:44:14 GMT -5
Going back a bit further, the Sox surrendered a 33 yr. old Jamie Moyer for the immortal Darren Bragg. Jamie went on to win 20 twice for Seattle and was still pitching at age 49.
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