In stagnant market, Sox sit and wait
LAS VEGAS -- We just emerged from Theo Epstein's daily briefing, where the Red Sox general manager seemed almost apologetic for the absence of news surrounding the team.
"I actually think I have less to tell you than yesterday,'' Epstein said.
So there you go.
While Mark Teixeira remains the primary target for the Sox, Epstein did address the trade between Baltimore and Cincinnati that sent catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds in exchange for multi-talented utility man Ryan Freel. The Sox had marginal interest in both players as contingency plans, Epstein said, so the deal has limited (if any) impact on the Sox. The day's only other news -- the signing of closer Francisco Rodriguez by the New York Mets -- had no bearing on the team, as the Sox are not in the market for a closer.
Overall, Epstein called the market "stagnant.''
"We're trying to make the team better,'' he said. "We're not trying to make a splash.''
Nonetheless, you should not eliminate the possibility that one move could do both.
A few picked-up pieces of info:
- If and when the Red Sox sign Teixeira, trading David Ortiz might not be a realistic proposition after all. Late this year, Ortiz officially became a 10-5 man, meaning he has 10 years of service, the last five with the same team. That distinction gives Ortiz the right to veto any trade, so any deal involving him would require the player's consent.
- The Sox have expressed some interest in reliever Brandon Lyon, the same righthander whom Epstein once claimed off waivers and subsequently traded to the Diamondbacks in the Curt Schilling deal. Lyon has closed and set up in Arizona in recent years, and the Sox likely would regard him as another late-inning option. Picking up someone like Lyon could allow the Sox to move Justin Masterson to the rotation, depending on how the offseason plays out.
- Manny Delcarmen missed qualifying for arbitration by seven days. Two years ago, reliever Javier Lopez missed qualifying for arbitration by five days. One agent believes the Sox so precisely manage their roster that neither was a mistake.
CC isnt going to New York, no matter how much money they throw at him. If he wanted to be in the Bronx, he would have already taken the deal. The fact of the matter in my opinion, is that CC Sabathia feels like the man in the National League right now, which he is (apologies to Johan Santana)
Keep in mind that after a CY Young regular season in 2007, CC didnt exactly light the world on fire in the post season, going 1-2 with 9.00 ERA. Not only did he lose Game 1 of the ALCS, but he couldnt close out Boston in Game 5 and send his squad to the World Series. Furthermore, to start 2008 with the Indians, he was
I am glad that we have a GM that isnt afraid to just sit and wait for the right trade offer. He has assembled a good clubhouse and team. But what I dont get is how everyone is all drooling over mark Teixeira, yes he is a good hitter and fielder. Personally I like Youk at first base. Do you think mark can fit well in the line up and on the field. What would we do with either Mike or Kevin. Also dont forget that Adam Dunn is also a free agent and has played some games @ 1B, I just think he is a well disciplined hitter like the rest of our lineup. Yes he does strikeout a lot but it just like when Manny and david were back to back. Someone is going to see good pitches. And it doesnt hurt to have a good flexible position player like Mark Kotsay who we got last deadline. I mean just in case drew or bay get hurt and if David is battling pain as well. So what I am trying to say is if we may a move lets not just go for the biggest name out there. We need to play it start. I do trust Theo's choices.
I would sign Tex and trade papi,hes not the same anymore,get something good now before it,s too late.
I would imagine the market for an over the hill one tool player like Ortiz would be massive.
Hey No. 1, how's that statement looking today? That's why Tony's the writer and you're a commenter. Stay classy.
Mazz, highly interested in the comment about Oritz. Did it come from the conversation with Theo, i.e., that THEO acknowledged thoughts on trading Ortiz, or is this just a turn of the calendar, meaning he has 10-5? I'm guessing the latter, and still hold that Theo isn't the least bit interested in trading away the face of the franchise-- at least not for another year.
If anyone hasn't noticed there is a new face of the franchise... Dustin Pedroia.. NOT Ortiz. Ortiz will bounce back, probably never hit 54 HRs again, but I could easily see him putting up .290 / 35 HR / 115 RBI... As for the Sox... I would love to see this lineup...
1. Ellsbury- CF 2. Pedroia- 2B 3. Ortiz- DH 4. Teixeira- 1B
5. Youkilis- 3B 6. Drew- RF 7. Bay- LF 8. Lowrie- SS
9. Varitek/Saltalamacchia- C Rotation- Lester-Beckett-Matsuzaka-Lowe/Smoltz-Wakefield/Masterson
That is what they should be trying to do, with Buchholz and Bowden ready if anyone was to get hurt...
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