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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Nov 10, 2019 17:02:11 GMT -5
Trade Betts. In part because he's playing a cat-and-mouse game as to signing thus far. That tells me he wants a combo of maximum dollars or, perhaps, a better organization and fit.
It frees up a bunch of money. One player does not make a team. It gets Boston under the threshold, which helps in the future. The assets Boston gets - along with the salary relief - has value. Would I have preferred Betts over Sale, Eovaldi? Sure. But Betts wouldn't pull the trigger. So a team has to move on with what it's landscape presently looks like. Hate to lose him. Maybe Boston could figure out a way to re-sign him if he does become a free agent, but I doubt it.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Nov 4, 2019 22:13:14 GMT -5
Looks like Betts is the odd man out in this scenario with JD. Hopefully, Boston can deal Betts and a couple others in order to restock the farm system. You can't pay 'em all. Whether it's by mismanagement or intentional, Boston is in a jam, salary-wise.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Nov 1, 2019 19:23:02 GMT -5
Baltimore is a big test. Probably the biggest so far. Glad to see no one is on NE's injury list.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Oct 26, 2019 5:32:58 GMT -5
Has there ever been a World Series where the visiting team has won each game?
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Oct 24, 2019 20:48:47 GMT -5
Good to see Bennett get moved. I'm assuming it means cap relief, but just as important... NE rids itself of a public malcontent.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Sept 17, 2019 18:50:18 GMT -5
Wow... Pats are 20.5 point favorites over the Jets and Dallas is 21.5 over the Dolphins. Hard to recall such point spreads over the past generation. Maybe they've happened, but it doesn't come to mind easily. And please keep the politics/religion/causes out of this site. We all have our take on things, but let's keep those for other websites, please.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Sept 11, 2019 5:12:33 GMT -5
Regarding Thomas... I think I saw on NFL.com's site a mention that the Pats were the ONLY team that contacted Thomas when he was available. So it's not like he had his choice of teams and went with NE.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Sept 2, 2019 12:01:01 GMT -5
I live near Winston-Salem (Chicago White Sox "Dash" - High A affiliate), so I'm excited to see some top Salem Red Sox pass through. 2019 was mostly slim pickin's at the High A level for Boston.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Aug 27, 2019 5:30:39 GMT -5
Does anyone have information regarding the salary cap hit Indy will take by Luck retiring?
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Aug 25, 2019 14:06:08 GMT -5
Lots we don't know about the Luck situation. On the surface, he's left the team with little options. It's a bit like with Gronk. Ideally would have been good to have known before the draft and early free agency.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Aug 21, 2019 21:01:41 GMT -5
We'll take any piece of encouraging news right about now. His throwing is a big hurdle crossed. Let's hope his rehab goes smoothly. Boston's done a poor job of developing top-end starters.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Aug 19, 2019 19:47:21 GMT -5
It was time for a change at some point. The fact NE moved up to select Bailey pretty much sealed Allen's fate. Allen was a solid punter for most of his time with NE. Next man up... and Bailey is no doubt cheaper, too.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Aug 15, 2019 18:52:10 GMT -5
I hope Boston can find a spot for him. Second base would be logical since short is accounted for. At the least, he's a back-up utility guy at a low salary.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Jun 28, 2019 18:22:01 GMT -5
Interesting topic... and I don't have the answers. Boston hasn't shown enough to think a player could put them over the top. They're a decent team... not a force like last year... in contention for the second wild card... but nothing outstanding. It'd be clearer if they were on top - or - a middling team. I guess my thought here is to position the team (salary-wise) for flexibility next year and beyond. That means being a seller of parts you don't expect to be here in a year or two. This includes stars you don't think will re-sign. I think back to what I'd read many years ago about Ralph Kiner and his contract squabbles with the Pirates - a bottom feeder club at that time. Team management told him they could finish in last place without him. The Sox aren't in that position in the standings, yet today there's a limit to what a team's payroll can be. The Sox are a decent team. Not great - not terrible. Using the Pirates' logic... couldn't they be about the same without some of the players who've made them a middle of the road team? If it set Boston up with some salary flexibility, might be worth the deal. Let's be honest here... last year was magical. This year isn't last year. Hate to say that as a lifelong fan.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Jun 18, 2019 20:48:11 GMT -5
Chris Paul graduated from our local high school (West Forsyth HS) and played hoops in gym class with my twin sons. So naturally I've rooted for him for years. But I agree, he's aging... his contract isn't good for teams... and there have always been questions about health/winning/and his team chemistry. Years ago I'd have liked to have seen him in Boston. Today, given his parameters, not so much.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on May 15, 2019 21:27:13 GMT -5
Regarding Collins, if he does return... Two things. 1. He'll be on a short leash. No freelancing. Limited role. 2. It'll be on a "prove it" deal. No way NE overpays for Collins.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Apr 28, 2019 14:24:56 GMT -5
Up one on the road... gotta love it! Go C's!
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Apr 24, 2019 19:11:39 GMT -5
I may always be in the minority on this, but I'd go with youth. Do what we can to deal expensive guys, especially when they have greater trade value vs just before they're free agents. Maybe I'm naive, yet I don't see a huge difference in paying players huge dollars when lesser options are available and the dollar savings can be put elsewhere. I get it that Boston is a franchise which feels the need to always be in contention... BUT... we're coming off a WS title... we do a Marlins-like dump off... pick up a boatload of young talent and international signing monies... then lock up the young kids long term, we'd be set for a while. Teams need flexibility. Tampa Bay is set for a while. Could Boston position itself that same way, but with its larger budget, sustain that upward curve? I'd like to think so. Then again, maybe that's why I'm a keyboard jockey and not the General Manager...
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Mar 30, 2019 17:49:34 GMT -5
I live very close to Winston-Salem... and enjoy seeing what the Salem Red Sox put on the field. Looks like maybe this isn't the year for top prospects to start the season. A few years ago I got to see Devers, Bentintendi and Moncada (along with others) several times. I love baseball - bring it on!
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Mar 29, 2019 16:57:21 GMT -5
With all the data available to teams these days, it's rarer to see the "dumb" trades - an aging vet at career's end for a young stud, for example. Given the historical data on big dollar long-term deals, doesn't it make sense for ownership to rethink the sorts of deals it agrees to? No one is holding a gun to the head of owner or player. Why should owners continue to be stupid with their money when the bargaining agreement doesn't mandate it? In fact, the agreement penalizes teams (Boston) when it exceeds certain thresholds.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Mar 21, 2019 18:17:03 GMT -5
I realize I'm probably a lone wolf on this, but I'd rather see Boston trade some of these big dollar players for younger talent. For older guys you want to dump, eat their contract to get better minor leaguers or more international monies. It concerns me when a huge amount of money gets funneled to a few players on long term deals. How many REALLY work out? Baseball's become a younger man's game. I love what the White Sox did with Jimenez today.
On a related note, I'd like to see a salary cap. NFL teams have hard decisions to make. Baseball... well... it's only (tax) money.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Feb 17, 2019 16:21:59 GMT -5
All NFL teams have issues - even SB champs. Among what I admire about NE is how they devote $$$. They'll let guys go. The fact NE gets compensatory picks is awesome! Nothing is forever - and Brady/Belichick are HUGE factors, but as long as they're both in their roles, NE has a legit shot. And, as fans, that's all we can expect/hope for. I've rooted for the Pats since growing up in RI back in the 60s. Tough times then. I did my time. Enjoying the ride now!
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Jan 2, 2019 20:41:57 GMT -5
All teams have holes, including the Pats. I think you simply take what you think is the best value pick, then make it work. Defense is deep this draft, so that probably means NE trading back. I'd want to see 'em get a QB in the first couple rounds. Groom him to take over. Then, aside from maybe a TE at some point, focus on defense. I don't trust Belichick to draft a wide receiver high. For that matter, I don't trust him to take a corner/safety high. But safety is a position NE hasn't had to touch in a few years. Might be time to revisit with a mid rounder.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Dec 16, 2018 14:07:11 GMT -5
Sale is a rare talent. I'd try to sign him, even though his age means his production is likely to tail off toward the end of his next contract. Maybe he can become a John Smoltz and blow guys away as a closer in a few years. Less wear and tear on his arm due to fewer innings.
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Post by ghostofrussgibson on Nov 15, 2018 21:20:47 GMT -5
Well deserved... great season for Betts and the Sox. Where do Betts and Boston's front office go from here? Any thoughts?
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