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Post by semperfisox on Nov 21, 2013 12:01:06 GMT -5
I still think the Sox bring Napoli back. Most importantly, I think Napoli wants to come back. I go back to the catching situation. It appears to me that what the Sox learned in the playoffs was that they could win with a catcher who excels defensively and can contribute timely hits as opposed to an offensive catcher who puts up good numbers at the plate but is weak defensively. I think the Sox management is looking for a catcher who excels at handling a pitching staff, calling games and receiving, while able to chip in the occasional timely hit as well. And if you think about it, isn't what the Sox are looking for at the catcher position, what they are developing in the minor leagues with players like Vazquez and Swilhart? So where do the Sox go to find this type catcher with this particular skill set? They reportedly went hard after Ruiz, but the media reports they failed because they would go guarantee a third year. My question is why would they be scared off by the third year? Vasquez is at triple A and Swilhart at double A, Ross has one year left on his deal. So not willing to go to a third year is not due to prospect pressure. Were they scared off by Ruiz's age or terrible Bill James projection of his production potential at the plate? The media is projecting the Reds catcher, who calls fantastic games while also handling a pitching staff very well and has really good receiving skills. But the hitting is beyond poor. Maybe (Hopefully) he could be a plan C in the Cherrington model. I think there is another option that Cherrington has in mind, but to go get it, he needs other off season moves to happen first. Is that why he is riding hard for Beltran? I would not think he would be so willing to battle the Spankees and the Birds, if this wasn't part of a bigger deal. The bottom line is a resolution to the catching situation looks to be a bit more complicated than just signing a player. I think they have a specific skill set in mind and need bullets other than prospects to go get it. wasn't it james who said Crawford would age well and work out in Boston? pfffff
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 21, 2013 11:27:53 GMT -5
I'm still a little interested in Sandoval. Not someone I'd give top prospects for though.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 20, 2013 12:45:03 GMT -5
I'd rather push for Vasquez in 2014 if all possible. If he's really not ready 2015 will have to do.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 20, 2013 11:35:54 GMT -5
it doesn't make any sense signing McCann with Vasquez and later Swihart waiting in the wings. Unless they become part of a trade package for something big.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 17, 2013 12:01:43 GMT -5
There is a huge difference between Salty and all those guys. Defense. But Lavarnway provides that... assuming sarcasm...
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 16, 2013 8:45:07 GMT -5
Next year, C=Ross,3b= WMB, SS= Xander,2b= Petey, 1b= Napoli. DH=ORTIZ. Bench = Carp,Hassan,Brentz. Lf= Nava/Gomes, Cf= Jackie, Rf = Victorino. SP= Lester,Buch,Lackey,Dempter,Peavy,Felix. RP = Workman,Breslow,Taz,Miller,Koji,Morales,Britton. Thats 26. I would have a couple of battles and the loser goes on the taxi squad from Pawtucket to Boston. Hassan vs Brentz vs Nava 2 out of 3. Britton vs Morales vs Miller. 2 out of 3. It's kind of boring and I am limited at C. But I plan on giving Napoli some playing time and Keep an eye on Lavarnway, Butler,Vasquez in spring training. Then I would make a decision on Catcher to help out Ross. The only other thing is A back up bench guy but not that important because my left side is very young. Keep note I think after 2014 the Sox have a ton of expiring contracts. I believe they will intergrate some of the young kids this year because you dont want to do everyone the same year. I think they drop close to 100 million after 2014. So Bailey is gone maybe a trade, Get picks for Drew,Ells and my own pick. try to keep Napoli. I am not too crazy to keep Peavy and Dempster. But I am not eating salary ,It would have to help the team to deal them. I am interrested in seeing what Hassan and Brentz can do if healthy and also Kalish but I am not expecting anything from him. What happened to Gomes? Who backs-up SS, 3B, 2B & CF? so Napoli resigning is the only move? You need a little turnover after winning the WS.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 16, 2013 8:42:33 GMT -5
Just for the record, Christian Vazquez was one of the best pitch framers in the entire minor leagues last season. He is the reason we need to sign a catcher to a short term deal this offseason. As soon as him improves his blocked ball ability behind the plate he is going to be a great MLB catcher. and we have Swihart, the future at catcher is bright.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 11, 2013 12:07:51 GMT -5
Today through the 13th in Orlando Florida. Figured the latest rumors and buzz could go in here.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 11, 2013 12:02:19 GMT -5
I'll take Javier Baez please.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 11, 2013 12:00:50 GMT -5
If they think Vasquez is comparable to Ruiz defensively right now and could put up a .230/300/400 approx. Beyond what elguapo mentioned, is there any chance to think he could put up that line? The OBP is plausible, but Vazquez's ISOs in his last three stints were .130, .055, and .105, and you're projecting him for .170. Steamer projects him for .249/.314/.362, but even that would be below-average for a starting catcher (catchers hit .245/.310/.388 in 2013). A team with playoff hopes and a huge payroll like the Red Sox has to have a better option than that. Well we're in the position to have 8 other great hitters in the lineup. Very few teams rely on their catcher as a hitter. If we add a Beltran or upgrade at 3B, I'm fine with a league average/below average offensive production from our catcher if he has elite defense.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 10, 2013 23:11:32 GMT -5
So if we don't re-sign Ellsbury, would anyone be interested in making a legit offer for Andre Ethier? I've got two nickels I'd throw in for Ethier. In other words he blows.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 10, 2013 11:25:08 GMT -5
I'm really on the Ruiz over McCann wagon right now. A lot more sensible.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 10, 2013 10:59:57 GMT -5
Anyone think Pablo Sandoval could be had?
Edit: Cafardo already reported he's available this winter. He as weight issues and been injured but he can play 3B/1B
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 10, 2013 0:13:13 GMT -5
Xander Bogaerts has been the player I've followed night in and night out for at least the past 2 seasons. I think Swihart will be my new player obsession.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 9, 2013 15:37:40 GMT -5
you aren't going to get Stanton without at least two of JBJ, Cecchini & Swihart IMO. I'd want a couple of doctors looking at Stanton's legs before we pull the trigger on any deal that's for sure.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 9, 2013 15:19:34 GMT -5
JBJ Victorino Pedroia Ortiz Stanton Bogaerts Napoli WMB Ruiz
I did all the hard work, rest is up to you Cherington. Very RH though
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 9, 2013 11:35:25 GMT -5
please tell me someone didn't suggest Carp for Andrus.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 8, 2013 12:40:55 GMT -5
Aww the offseason. No a thing that I hate more. I <3 the hot stove and winter meetings. Ever since the offseason of A-Rod I've been hooked.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 8, 2013 12:34:51 GMT -5
blah, somehow acquire Stanton and I'll be happy.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 8, 2013 12:33:32 GMT -5
I definitely think we'll see him start at 6 or 7 in the lineup. I'd be shocked to see him move up early in the lineup so soon. Maybe by mid season he moves up a couple of spots due to production.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 8, 2013 11:07:19 GMT -5
Blake Swihart IMO.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 8, 2013 11:02:58 GMT -5
would love to add Beltran to this lineup. look how smaht he is.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 6, 2013 12:51:52 GMT -5
Pretty sure I read Hosmer was available last offseason. Too bad that won't happen again with the season he just had.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 4, 2013 11:51:44 GMT -5
Dodgers or Yanks IMO.
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Post by semperfisox on Nov 4, 2013 9:52:47 GMT -5
But who? Choo, Granderson, and Beltran don't make sense, in my opinion. Peralta and Hart should warrant some consideration, but honestly, Ellsbury, Drew, and Salty or McCann are the only FA's who seem to really make a lot of sense. The list is so thin, you'll soon be looking at Morneau/Youkilis/Morse after you get past those guys. I see three major holes on the skeleton 2014 squad: C, 1B, and OF. I think they'll sign or re-sign (or trade for) a premium player (read: $10m+ AAV) to fill two of those holes and sign a budget guy to fill the third, with catcher being the position most likely to be filled by a premium guy. Here are my tiers for each one: First base Premium: Napoli Budget: Hart, Morse, Reynolds, Youkilis Catcher Premium: McCann, Saltalamacchia Budget: Ruiz, Navarro, Suzuki Outfield Premium: Ellsbury, Choo, Beltran, Granderson Budget: Byrd, C. Young, Murphy, Gutierrez, Davis My personal preference? Napoli, McCann, and Chris Young (to platoon with Bradley in CF), probably, though that will all depend on their prices. what about Nelson Cruz in the OF?
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