To spend or to save?
Ten days to go until the winter meetings, and barely a whisper from the world of major league baseball. Meanwhile, on Yawkey Way, the Red Sox continue to be so clandestine that you cannot help but wonder if they are up to anything at all.
Which is precisely how Theo Epstein likes it.
Clearly, these are transitional times in and beyond the world of professional sports. Our nation as a whole appears destined for perhaps our biggest financial crisis in 80 years. Minus the six-year, $140 million offer made by the Yankees to free-agent linchpin CC Sabathia -- Fats Domino? -- baseball's free agent market has been all but devoid of any behavior that might be termed aggressive.
In the midst of this stand the Red Sox, who have traded a backup outfielder for a reliever and effectively sealed the deal on a mid-level Japanese import. Not exactly front-page news there, even here in the international hotbed of all things baseball.
Here's something to consider: Last week, one Sox official said the club had two separate and distinct paths to choose from this offseason, one of an aggressive nature, the other of conservatism. The question was which. Earlier this month, Sox officials froze ticket prices for the first time since baseball's historic work stoppage of 1994-95, something that should tell you just how pessimistic baseball's financial doomsayers have become.
During the recent owners' meetings, commissioner Bud Selig summoned former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker to address teams on the state and possible direction of the economy. All indications are that Volcker painted a very bleak picture. Meanwhile, the free agent market continues to move along at a snail's pace, and you cannot help but wonder how much longer it will be before agents begin making accusations of collusion.
Let's focus on the Red Sox for a moment. With or without the financial crisis, even the Sox must have a saturation point. This year, while the Sox drew more than 3 million fans for the first time in their history, local television ratings were down roughly 20 percent. (By the way, at last check, the Bruins were up close to 30 percent.) There have been whispers that Sox playoff tickets were not commanding the kind of street value that they have in past years, which certainly suggests that fans are becoming complacent after winning two world titles in a four-year span.
The Red Sox are no fools. They monitor everything. Before we give the Sox too much credit for freezing ticket prices, maybe we should wonder if they are focused as much on their bottom line as they are on the plight of the working man.
How many working men do you know who wear pink hats?
As such, here's a question that might be worth asking and that previously seemed unthinkable: Is interest in this team waning? In many ways, last season began as perhaps the most stale Sox season in decades. The team was coming off a second world title in less time than it takes to earn a college degree. There were no major roster changes to speak of. The Sox who showed up for the spring of 2008 were generally the ones who went home in the fall of 2007, largely because the team has developed a good player development system that allows it to improve from within.
Here's the downside: No major plot lines, at least until Manny Ramirez started kicking up a storm and all but forced his way out of town. In some ways, the 2008 Sox became infinitely more interesting the moment Ramirez left; in others, they became considerably more boring.
Now here are the Sox, in the middle of free agent season, and they are in a most unusual position. At the moment, using the last five years as a sample size, they are the most successful organization in baseball. They also could have as much as $40 million-$60 million to spend. In between the end of 2007 and the start of 2008, Epstein cut roughly $15 million from the payroll. Since the middle of this year, Epstein has cut roughly an additional $40 million in the contracts of Ramirez, Curt Schilling, Jason Varitek, Paul Byrd, Mark Kotsay, and Mike Timlin, among others. Depending on where the elect to establish their budget for 2009, they could spend a little, a lot, or a ton.
That speaks of good planning. The Sox have talented and inexpensive young players that they could trade or keep. They could also settle somewhere in between. What the Sox have to decide now is the better course of action during a difficult financial time (we're still not sure if that applies to them, but let's go with it) when interest in the club appears to be ebbing.
Several years ago, during the winter of 2000-01, the Sox signed Ramirez to an eight-year, $160 million contract after failing to lure pitcher Mike Mussina, who went to the New York Yankees. As much as Ramirez improved the Boston lineup, the decision was made for business reasons as much as anything else. At the time, the Sox were preparing to sell the club, NESN was on the verge of becoming part of the base package on cable television subscriptions, and the Sox were looking to add a superstar around which to build their marketing efforts.
By the start of this season, the Sox had won a pair of World Series, NESN's value had increased exponentially -- at least based on some estimates -- and Fenway was the home of the longest sellout streak in the history of major league baseball.
Now? Admittedly, the Sox may be more shrewd to take the conservative route, to weather the storm for the coming years. If and when the market recovers, the club then will be well positioned to spend on the open market. (This was the Bruins strategy during the historic NHL work-stoppage.) The alternative is to spend big now if the right position presents itself -- Mark Teixeira, anyone? -- and infuse the organization with a new superstar, someone around whom the Sox can build their marketing efforts for years to come.
Me?
I'd spend the money.
But then, it's not mine to spend.
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Great article and perspective. My thought would be "Where's my quarter? Heads we spend, tails we stand pat." The article makes a person think ... and that is good!!
Solid article, but comparing Red Sox television ratings with those of the Bruins is a red herring. Over the past few years, NO ONE has been watching the Bruins. It would be ridiculously easy to increase their numbers by 30 percent. The comment about the Bruin's post-lockout strategy was interesting, too. They did a bang-up job using the money, didn't they?
The Sox in-park income is based in large part on high ticket prices and luxury boxes. As companies face a tightening economy, they'll choose between employees and luxury boxes. Bye-bye luxury boxes.
There's a similar dynamic in the home. As you're choosing between macaroni and NESN (or more expensive satellite packages), it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.
So a little frugality (relatively speaking) might be in order here.
I say stay conservative. Add a few mid-level free agents with potential, trade AAA talent for a future catcher, avoid signing Texeira, and go confidently forward. Pretty simple.
Hmm... NESN is part of the "standard" package on cable, but this is not the true "base" package. In my town, broadcast basic is about $12, while "standard" is $45 more; quite a hike to get NESN and a handful of other mildly entertaining channels. Meanwhile, the Sox have removed all games from broadcast ("One nation. One network..."). Ratings are down a shocking 20%. There's a lot of potential financial danger there. People without jobs could move quickly to save that $45 a month.
"How many working men do you know who wear pink hats?"
What, women don't have jobs?
Down economies offer opportunities for shrewd investors and baseball clubs are no exception. Invest in Texiera. New England sports fans will require diversion more now than ever, and Texiera will create renewed interest and enthusiasm in brand Red Sox. You can't save your way to prosperity. The way to generate sustained interest in the club is through continued excellence on the field combined with enough annual roster changes to heighten the curiosity of the fan base.
Great insight, Mazz. So much of these off season moves have to do with who and what is available, I think people underestimate how fluid off season roster moves can be. Sign Tex? Sure, but only if the Yanks and Angels are spending elsewhere. Blockbuster trade? Sure, as long as it doesn't deplete the farm.
The Sox are in an enviable position in that they have a solid core of veterans and young kids forming a foundation on which to build. For as much flack as Theo catches from the fan base, he gives us a real chance to win it all every year. Hopefully, we won't throw Buckholz out on the mound before the All Star break. These kids respond better (with a few notable exceptions) when brought along more slowly.
Happy Holidays
Tex would be great in Boston, but there is no room. Bring an end of the rotation starter, trade a young arm prefferably Bowden over Clay for a vaible starting catcher, build the bench, and keep the payroll where it is. I think the bench will be more important than ever seeing Ellsbury and Lowrie are still unproven everyday starters. The only way to solve that issue is to go and get Furcal and make Lowrie a supersub or a stop gap till Lowell is healthy.
Spend it on Tex, then try to save elsewhere. Sox have great pitching. Tex will fill the huge hole in the Cleanup spot.
The Sox need to spend on starting pitching. Teixera would be nice, but they'll win or lose with arms. Given the inevitable injuries, going into Spring Training with6-7 potential starters is a wise thing to do.
With Manny gone, Papi on an obvious permanent decline, there are only a few ways to go to enliven the offense.Teixeira is an obvious and easy solution,however if that does not happen it must come from additional production either at catcher or shortstop.In the case of the former,I think Varitek is the weakest hitting backstop in the league whose inability at the plate is closely matched by his horrible throwing arm.This situation should be easy to improve upon.As for shortsop,I do not think that Lowrie provides enough pop.While looking at Texas for a catcher maybe we can do ablockbuster snatching their dynamic one___ Michael Young.
I hope the Sox sign Teixeira no matter the cost . Unfortunately, That makes Lowell the odd man out. Also a one year contract to the captain is also good. He will balk, but also he has run out of options. I don't think Cashman will outsmart Theo but certainly outspending Theo is a possibility. The Rays may possibly be next years' Colorado Rockies with the exception of great pitching. The Sox have a great mix of youngsters and veterans while the Yanquis are a bit older. Go get 'em Theo.
If the Sox can't land Teixeira, they may opt to roll the dice, and play it out with their younger players-- particularly the young pitching talent. Either by letting them take their lumps in the bigs, or by trading some of them (as they have in the past) for players under contract that can help now but won't be free agents for a couple or more seasons.
Throwing BIG MONEY at players in these economic times, although probably within the financial parameters of the team, may just not LOOK very savvy or smart right now.
Who knows? We'll see soon enough...
They can also hope that their next superstar slugger comes in the form of Lars Anderson. Personally, I wouldn't want to place so much burden on a young player. I would do all I could to sign Tiexiera and slowly ease Lars in to replace Ortiz when his contract runs out. Even if Lars fails initially, we still have Tex to shoulder the load.
Interest in the team isn't waning Mazz. After a year in which we had to trade the guy who would have made us back to back champs, I am hungrier than before.
The "Pink Hatters" have left the building. Did anyone think they would stand by the sox during a tough but winnable series against the rays? nah
they have to spend money. They can't sit idle. There are too many holes on this team to sit idle.
sign tex and tek (for two years), trade lowell, bowden, kris johnson, josh reddick, and argenis diaz, for jake peavy. if the padres want to throw in khalil greene, then throw in lugo and pay for his contract.
Lineup: ellsbury, pedroia, ortiz, tex, youk, bay, drew, tek, greene/lowrie
Rotation: Beckett, Peavy, Lester, Dice K, Wake,
2009 WS CHAMPS!!! GO SOX!
If we have all that money to spend,why are we not chasing Sabatthia? You never have enough(phenomenal) starting pitching and this would literally crush the ***** of the Yankees. Even if the Yankees got Burnett,at best that only replaces Mussina.
IF interest is waning (a realtive thing by the way) could it be that the Bill James-inspired front office that favors cyber-clone, statistic driven choices has transitioned the Red Sox from a loveable bunch of "Idiots" (2004) into increasingly interchangable (while admirable) players who seem right out of video game/fantasy league rosters? While the team gets blander and blander (no more Manny, no more Damon, no more Millar, no more battling Coco, no more Pedro, no more Nomar, no more dirt Dog Trot Nixon) fans are left more and more to cheer for the uniforms, not the shifting cast of ever more corporate-friendly men who wear them. Fans used to go to the game to see colorful players play the game colorfully. Bill Lee wherefore art thou when we need you?
Post 16:
EXACTLY !!!
Interest in the Team is "Not Waining"....The Pink-Hats are just not finding it "socially-vitualating" anymore and are clearing the path for the True Fans to come back into Fenway Park....
Too-many holes in the team to "not-spend" and I am starving for more.....
Goodbye PINK-HATS !!!! (The PostSeason Crowd was an embarassment !!!!) In Philadelphia, LA & even Tampa the crowds were wild.... Boston (PINKHATS) sat there quiet worried about their coffee's and blackberries !!!! TERRIBLE !!!!!
Sign Tex, trade for a texas catcher, Bring up bowden, = 09 World Series
Mazz -
You are the biggest out-of-touch donkey that ever took pen-to-paper; or chubby cheeze-doodled finger to laptop !!
The PINK-HATS kept "Real-Fans" away....but just listen to WEEI -- in the middle of Pats Football it's almost 75% Red Sox Talk in offseason. REAL FANS are still HUNGRY !!!!
Let the Red Sox monitor that !!!! And the ticket prices being "held" lower is ridiculous since all the tickets are bought up by ticket-brokers and sold for 4x's the value every year. Monitor That !!
Real-Fans are coming back; when we can afford to.... but make no mistake Mazz-Monkey....interest in The Red Sox isn't waining....just PINKHAT NATION is looking for a new coffee-house.
Maybe TV Ratings were down because it was an EMBARASSMENT to watch the PINK-HATS not know when to cheer !!??
Even Tek said as much in the PostSeason when Fenway Park was "silent" in playoff baseball. PINK-HAT FILTH !!
Only time "real-fans" were seen again was Game 5 after the PINK-HATS left early and Red Sox "came-back" from the 7 run-deficit behind the cheers of the real-fans who were able to get in and make their way down to field-level.
'Wherefore art thou?' means 'Why art thou?' Likely more existential than intended, even when questioning Boston's greatest astronaut, no?
How about "Where have you gone, dear old Spaceman? Our Nation turns its wistful eyes to you?"
Post 6:
Completely missed the point !!!!
Case-Point made....
Teixeria would be nice. Keep in mind, Lowell and Beckett were not healthy during different times. They do need a bat but lets not get ahead of ourselves. Food for thought, Jason Bay is a very good power hitter. Not sure fans know he has hit 30 HR`s 4 times in his career. Not bad numbers. If they can sign a Derek Lowe (yes he`s a proven pitcher) they would be a better team (with hopefully a healthier Lowell and Beckett) Jason Bay? I like the guy. Compare him to say a Hideki Matsui. He`s got better numbers...Lowe, Beckett, Lester, Dice K and either Masterson or Wakefield. They are better. The Ramirez for Crisp trade was a good one. Considering Crisp was a great fielder, he was a weaker hitter. Not a big deal if you do not spend millions on Teixeira, although he would be a great fit here.
the claw
Man I could not have said it better myself. You are absolutely correct in your assessment. The Red Sox (and some of the fans) forgot what has always made this team so loveable. They were oddballs, the were different, the were "Idiots" and everybody loved them. Now they are clones, albeit clones with some talent, but not nearly as interesting or entertaining.
I say be bold. Sign Texeira, dump Lugo for what you can get, move Youk to SS where he would be more than serviceable (think Ripken or if that's too much, how about Rico Petrocelli) and wait for the good pitching to develop. Win for the next 4 to 5 years and watch NESN ratings go through the roof.
Silly to think that the paying public; to include Corp Lux boxes, are willing to buy tickets and go to Yawkee way to see a bland team. A business is supposed to save money. But this is entertainment and these guys are athletic entertainers. Anyone care to see a really bad movie or play? If the dream of going to a Sox game includes Fenway and a bad team, I'll do the tour. It's not so much about the win but how you win in pro sports. The Sox need to bring in talent that people want to see and do it at the least amount of expense to increase Profits. Where that ratio lies is their job. If they can do it right, I'll work a little extra at my job and buy a ticket.
As much as I would like to think this is just about Boston, it isn't. Having moved down here to Yankee-land years back taught me something this past season. I watched them move further and further back in the sports coverage as the season progressed. In fact, the results of the last few games of the season didn't even make the regular sports reports. They were forgotten.
People want to watch winners. Nice guy winners, clean winners, professional winners. If you hire a bunch of misfit mercenaries that don't win, it doesn't matter if every one is an all-star. They will be forgotten.
The Sox are in a game to capture the casual fan that identifies with the winner and will go to see them when they are on the road. It has a number of benefits for the Sox like increasing the merchandising revenue (from the pink hats) and decreasing their contribution to the revenue sharing pot because the other teams are taking in higher local gate and media revenues.
That said, the Sox are forced to consistently put a viable product on the field. All these finance models go sideways otherwise. They've also learned that team chemistry goes a long way. They will invest in Texeira. Sabathia's proven unreliable in the post season.
In the end, Bill Lee was entertaining but didn't win it all.
I agree with Mazz about the possibility of waning interest in the Sox. And post #19 is spot on. This team has become an ensemble of corporate white drones: pasty, no personality, few smiles. Kind of like machines. All those things we used to loathe about the Yankees.
G.M., Ford, and other previous big spenders on sports advertising won't be doing the same spending, and many such advertising feeders of the baseball bankroll will disappear. Rising unemployment and underemployment will narrow the population of those buying expensive tickets to Fenway. Who is it that will be paying exorbitant salaries? We all need to get used to a different playing field.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ..............thats what i think of tony matta razz write up----any of you want real insight on what the sox are really going to do--check out mike silverman on the herald--or gordon "gordo" edes, now with yahoosports(he should never ever of left the globe!!!!!!!!!!!!)...because the crew that the globe has now, know nothing!!!..your better off guessing yourself, then relying on there stories..enuff said!!!!!...peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeace
I'm guessing the "waning" interest in the Sox begins with the "Band Wagon Jumpers". You know, the fans that became interested only because of the World Series wins. They may be looking for the next big thing, ha ha. Life long die hards, like myself, will NEVER lose interest. We may have to cut back some due to the economic conditions, but will always have the Red Sox in our lives each summer (or all year for some of us, yes, me) as one of our closest friends. GO SOX!!!
30% increase of nothing is nothing
Interest from the core fan base rarely wanes. BUT - you better believe the BEST year the Sox had was 2005, when fans threw money at the team that beat the curse the prior year.
NESN is written for 13 year olds. At my present age of 52, it appeals to my childlike addiction for the Sox, but can't hope to retain my interest. Too much guitar chording and info-smytes (small bytes). I appreciate the sexy chicks broadcasters with the kickin curves but come on, where's the Sox news ?
Doesn't anyone get chemistry? Mike Lowell is a chemistry guy. Jason Bay is a chemistry guy. Tek, bless him, is a chemistry guy. Take the fire of Pedroia and Youklis and mix it with stable but leader oriented guys like these. Add in just a couple of key players (think Tex and Salty) and you have continuity of winning ways.
I want to watch winners, not uniforms. Manny and losing sucks. Bay and winning is great. Let's have depth, not wildly expensive 'crusher' teams that do what the Yuckees did in 08. Let's watch Dustin and Kevin tear it up and add just enough holy terrors at bat to be the Sox we know and watch.
If interest was down, maybe it was due to the pedestrian offense they trotted out there after Manny left. Against good pitching in September, as evidenced by the Tampa and Toronto games, this offense put people to sleep. They capped things with a three-hit effort in their last game of the season. Torre said how Manny made everyone in the Dodger lineup better. Tex would havde the same effect on the Red Sox lineup.
Good article. You cover all the base's but I would disagree with your assessment that "interest is waning". As long as the sox keep having sellouts at the park, the TV ratings really dont apply in my book. I also understood (from a purely business bottom-line perspective) that once the sox annouced there would be "no ticket increase" they would not be spending additional payroll dollars on free agents. Every business that I know of passes down the increase cost of doing business to their consumers unless they plan on not offering a new and improved product. The management of the sox in my opinion has been attempting to get to this point for many years. Finally with the down turn in the economy they can "use" this excuse to appease the public and the fans of the team. The sox make a "killing" each year. Anyone can figure this out. Multiply what they charge for each ticket times 162. Then subtract the payroll. Keep in mind, this doesnt include all the monies for food for each game among other things. If after you accomplish this tell me that the sox dont make a considerable profit each year.
2004 was The Greatest Red Sox Team that was ever assembled....
No Debate.... Colorful, Personality, "Self-Proclaimed Idiots", etc....
Even 2007 doesn't match up.
There is no "waning interest" in the Red Sox.... just ask "REAL-FANS" not PINK-HAT TRASH that only starting showing up and not even understanding how to cheer on the team since the WS win of '04.
In 2004 REAL-FANS were pouring their hearts out and sitting and cheering with ulcers to win !! "Hey Red Sox....MONITOR THAT !!!!
Bring Back Your CORE-REAL-FANS and stop pricing usout for the Almight $$$$$$$ -- Then maybe Fenway Park will rock with real-cheering again....not Blackberry Text Messages !!
I feel that this is a year that the sox spend a lot. Like Mazz said, 40 million is off the books... I expect a few mini-signings and at least a big signing or trade...
I'm hoping the scenario I mentioned in comment 17 happens. The sox could also use a trade for Salty or Teagarden or some other young catcher.
Go Sox!
You know, probably most of those Pink Hats had their tickets bought by some rich guy that spent more time on his Blackberry or iPhone than watching the game.
And it almost sounds like people would rather watch some sort of of Major League/Bull Durham teams, with wacky haircuts and hilarious one-liners, that end up going 88-74 and finish 3rd, than the current, winning, "Clone Army."
Maz,
Your comment in regards to NESN Red Sox broadcasts are down 20% is not without merit. The fact that NESN has poor television coverage (Tom Caron is not the answer to Bob Rodgers, among others) and that the pre-game show of 1 to 1/2 hour is overkill. The show was much better when it was only 1/2 hr long. Then the post game show is now what... 2-3 hrs?? Sure seems that way. It's oversaturation! The Red Sox are trying to milk the cow dry. And please....... save me the Red Sox concern for the little guy. How about rolling prices back to the 2000 level? How about making 15000 seats available to the little guy? Ha! Yeah right.
No plot lines?!?!?!?!?
Ninety-five wins, one game from the World Series, the emergence of a potentially GREAT pitcher, and the American League MVP?
Oh. You mean no drama. Sorry, my bad.
Here's what I'd do IF it were up to me:
1. Sign Teixeira. Period. Switch-hitting power hitter, OBP machine and Gold Glove defense. What more can you say? Imagine he & Youk at the corners for the future. Awesome.
2. Sign Bay to an extension. He can play here. He is great. No debate.
3. Sign Holliday NEXT offseason. Then you have Holliday & Teixeira for your 3-4 for the next bunch of years to come-- AND they're young!
4. Trade for Peavy. Period. They have what it would take to get it done. And worst-case scenerio they can throw Ellsbury in the deal and move Drew to CF/lead-off. Talk about an insane rotation going forward: Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka & Peavy-- and all 28 and under! They're also all veterans already.
5. Trade for Saltalamaccia and re-sign Varitek for at least 2 years. Tek will be fine if he can have more days off. And besides, adding Teixeira will decrease the need for Tek's bat. And having Saltalamaccia learning behind Tek for a few years would be great for his development.
Long story short, these moves give you a rotation of young and tested veterans for the next 4+ years, a lineup of all young veterans just entering their prime and a team built to win it all a number of times in this stretch. Do it.
Bubba--
No way you trade five guys for 1 pitcher--they weren't even offering that type of package for Santana. Sign Tex, then trade Lowell, Lars Anderson, Bucholz , Delcarmen and Lugo for Saltamacchia and Michael Young. That gives Texas what they need--Lowell at 3b, an up and coming power 1b (Anderson--which we won't need now w/Tex signed for 8 yrs), a shortstop (good riddance) --with Lowell and Lugo that allows Rangers to keep Ian Kinsler at 2nd or even move to short, and two young strong arms in Bucholz and Delcarmen. And if you look at the relievers we have been accumulating--they are there to replace Delcarmen who never comes thru in big games--love the guy but he gets that deer in the headlights look everytime he pitches in a big spot--next thing you know he is down 3-1 to the first two hitters (walks the first--grooves a pitch to the second guy. Never fails.
Tony, you've got to put a new picture in your blog. This "deer in the headlights" picture on the sight is doing you no justice.
One thing for sure,as far as I'm concerned.You don't sell the farm,when you no not the value.These kids that the Sox have should be protected.I say sit on what you have, play out the year and wait to see how the season progresses.Something ALWAYS comes along down the line.Even if not and we have a disappointing year,the kids will mature.....Everybody (management) is licking there chops,honing in on the Sox' farm,There has to be strong substance there,apparantly............OK,granted Teixeira is worth an arm and a leg,but prices will come down.Things can't keep escallating.....Watch the kids,try to hang on to them
Rick:
You're right about the Peavy deal I mentioned earlier. Theo probably wouldn't do it, but the prospects I mentioned are expendable. The Sox are blessed and have a lot of good prospects, and if Theo made that trade, the pitching would be invincible, with Beckett, Lester, Peavy, and Dice-K. Four pitchers that would be #1 starters on most baseball teams in MLB. But I think Theo will make the right decision, whatever it is....
Maz, Theo needs to make slight changes. Taking the team from 95 to 99 wins should be the goal. The areas of weakness last year:
---Japan. Nuf Ced.
---a recurrent lack of timely hitting
---the breakdown of David's knees, balance, swing
---lack of any contact in the 7,8,9 hitters
---stability in the #5 starter, i.e., a 15-or-more quality start guy
---an error prone Lugo who coast us 6 wins
The team as it stands is GOOD. If they bring in Texeira, so be it. But what we need here are Tweaks. Get David healthy. Rest & limit Tek to 100 games. Make Masterson the #5. Commit to Lowrie. We really don't need no flippin' Texeira.
This may have been mentioned before but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. One big reason to sign Mark Teixeira...the decline of David Ortiz. As we all witnessed in the ALCS, Papi may not be as "Big" anymore.
Remember how the TBS tv crew during the series were very critical of Papi, especially when he tried to bunt in a specific at bat against the Rays, when he had always seemed to come through with a game changing swing in the past? The Baseball Tonight team even made mention that we may be seeing the beginning of the end of Ortiz’ time in Boston.
Some may think that is a bit premature, but as competitive as the AL East is I’d choose to prepare for the future now with a big splash of a deal that makes Boston one of the most feared line-ups in baseball and could someday look something like this:
1. Ellsbury - CF
2. Pedroia – 2B
3. Youkilis – 3B
4. Teixeira – 1B
5. Bay - LF
6. Drew - RF
7. Lars Anderson – DH
8. Lowrie – SS
9. Saltalamacchia - C
Ortiz may have had a wrist injury he was recovering from but even with that, can't a guy hit to the opposite field? Did he have to try to pull every pitch? Does he take advice from the batting coach or manager on his hitting approach or watch video in between at bats in the club house?
Maybe it was more ego than injury but I see big trouble if the Sox don't have a big bat in their line-up. Nothing against Bay or Youk but Tex is the best big bat available and he would put up some incredible numbers at cozy Fenway. In the process he would most likely help with his teammates’ numbers as well.
There is the argument about no place to put Tex because of Lowell, but since Mike is most likely going to be rehabbing/recovering from surgery you work him in slowly and see how he does in limited duty. Could he play in a limited role next year as he recovers and fill innings when Youk and Tex need rest? Would he be able to do that for the team? There is always the possibility of working a trade if needed, which I hope is not the case.
I love everything that Ortiz and Lowell brought to the Red Sox but as Theo has shown before, his decisions are about the team not the individual (see Nomar, Pedro, Schil, and Manny).
Lastly, if at all possible for next season, try and pick up Derek Lowe. I was really saddened to see him released after the 2004 season and thought he still had a lot to offer the Sox. I believe he still does, which he proved in L.A. this past season with 14 wins, 3.24 ERA, 9th in NL in Innings Pitched and 4th in NL WHIP. Unfortunately, he price tag may be too costly now.
The sox also need to give extensions to some players such as Pedroia, Youkilis, Papelbon, Bay, and Lester. They have all of these players under control for a while, but some of them should be considered this offseason.
The Sox have money to spend and like any good business they must be progressive and invest. Conservative to me is to invest in Teixeira and stop there. In addition to this investment it also hedges against the possibility that Ortiz does not reach pre 2008 stats and Lowell's injury is permanent . The Sox would then have to hope that Beckett can return to his 97MPH self and Masterson, Bowden, Bucholz, etc. can contribute in a big way.
I'd spend too, Mazz. Quickest path to continued interest while maintaining franchise stability as follows: bring in Boras for a 2 man offer. Tex & Tek. Give the players incentive to both play in Boston. Tex gets 6 yrs at $22 mil per, and Tek gets 3 yrs at $11 mil per. Offer both an extra year incentive filled club option. Tell Boras it's both or nothing. Tex will solidify the offense. Tek will continue to stabilize the staff. I'd keep Lowell, and platoon him with Papi, and spot start him as needed. Bring Baldelli in, and find a suitable utility infielder. C.C., Burnett, and Lowe will prove to be overpriced headaches for any AL team that signs them. Groom the young arms, and give the 4th & 5th starters to Kevin Cash.
Sure, it's not our money, but it's someone's money. We're in the midst of the worst economy in many decades, with experts predicting it'll last the better part of the next year. Unless, Tex becomes a "buying opportunity" (ie. sub-$14M x 4-5 years) then I don't blame them for being conservative in this market. I don't go to Sox games anymore -- too expensive. This year will be the first we don't go to Ft. Myers -- management has made it an out-of-touch experience and it's expensive. They came within a game of the World Series without Tex, and half a team of "kids." Why would/should they make the $20M x 6+ year plunge? Why do you think Varitek is gone? Cuz spending $8-10M on a sub-standard catcher makes no fiscal sense.
I am not sure what "insight" is revealed in this article, it is merely a recitation of well known facts. While the Sox did not raise the already highest ticket prices in baseball, they are adding 560 seats, which should bring in at least a couple million dollars. I hope the Sox do not sign Teixeira, aside from the fact that his agent is Borass, is the fact that he would not fill a NEED. The Sox need a younger catcher who hits over his weight and can at least occasionally throw out a base runner. They need some middle relief. They could use another decent starter, but who couldn't? They need to keep a close eye on the Big Papi situation, if his hitting decline continues they must address that situation. If I were Theo I would get a catcher or two, pick up a pitcher if a bargain presented itself and wait until mid-season before making any big moves. The only player available at the moment who I see as a potential game changer is Sabathia, but the years and dollars are just too risky. Not to mention the issues a $23 million/season pitcher would raise with the rest of the staff. The Sox biggest problem last season was sending 3-4 guys out every day who were virtually an automatic out. Getting rid of Varitek will fill one of those holes.
Bubba, if the sox got Peavy, they would be nasty!!!
Beckett- 28 yrs old, potential 20 game winner
Lester- 24 yrs old, potential 20 game winner
Dice-K- 28 yrs old, potential 20 game winner
Peavy- 27 yrs old, potential 20 game winner
With Wake, and Buchholz and Masterson waiting to take the fifth spot.
100 wins and WS title would be a possibility, if they all stay healthy.
"Anyone can figure this out. Multiply what they charge for each ticket times 162."
I don't believe the Sox take in revenue at away games.
"Then subtract the payroll."
And the team travel and lodging. And the park upkeep. And the park upgrades. And vendor/crew/security salaries. And training staff. And scouting both at home and overseas. And front office salaries. And the Dominican facility. And on and on. It costs a lot more than player salaries to run a baseball team dude.
"If after you accomplish this tell me that the sox dont make a considerable profit each year."
Yes if you leave out considerable millions in cost and double the ticket revenue, I understand why you think they are making such a "killing", LOL.
Dear Bubba,
Why do Sox fans think that other teams are willing to trade their front line starters for your backwash? The Padres are in full salary dump. Why on earth do they want Lowell, with a bad hip and a bad contract? Do you think that no one outside of the Hub can read a paper? You people are insular to the point of being inbred. Peavy will cost you Laptop and Bowden or Masterson, for a starting point. Not everyone is as dumb as you.
Rather than go after any of the catchers from Texas, I'd like to see the Sox trade for Matt Wieters, who starting in 2010 is likely to be AL's All Star starting catcher for the next decade or more. Baltimore won't deal him cheaply, but he would be worth two or three of the Sox's young players, like Bucholtz, Anderson, or Bowden. The Sox can live with Varitek for another year, if they get Texeira in their lineup.
Worsening global economic conditions will increase pressure on poorly financed baseball teams to dump highly compensated players in the 2009 season, and beyond. This is an optimal time to hold young, affordable talent and wait for distressed teams to trade high priced stars they can no longer afford.
Low Red Sox payroll will enable adding stars, and provide leverage to force selling teams to subsidize the transfer.
Wealth creation is simple. Buy low, sell high.
Tony this is the predicament of all big market teams. Big markets teams are not only expected to win year in, year out, but also to be exciting. The exciting part is the one that really boosts the organizations revenue up another notch.
I love the team we have now and think that they should fill in the backup roles they need via free agency and go into next year mostly a carbon copy of the team that was one game away from going to the World Series.
With that being said, fans like me represent only a small part of the percentage of revenue generators. The "Pink Hat Crowd" and the 40 something year olds with the Brooks Brothers polo shirts who pay $125+ a ticket from Ace Tickets, to bring their kids to an Orioles game are the targeted audience this off season. Those are the one's who go to see Manny, Papi, Pedro, Nomar, and now Dustin. Lowell, Lowrie, Varitek, Drew, Bay, Masterson, and even Lester are not real fairweather fan generators.
I am up in the air with whether Mark Teixeira is that fan generator, but he may be the only hope in this free agent market, besides our old friend in LA. To be honest I think the biggest story line that could attract more of the fairweathers back to Ace Tickets, is to bring back Derek Lowe and Nomar Garciaparra. Lowe would obviously go to the rotation, although I do not think they need to tamper with a rotation of Beckett (28), Dice K (28), Lester (24), Masterson (23), and Wakefield (42), and with Buccholz, Bowden, and Martinez in the farm system. Nomar would simply sell some creative t-shirts and may be useful backing up at 1st and 3rd and maybe even give Papi a rest here or there.
Again these aren't moves they necessarily need to make for team performance enhancement, but they may be moves to help the Sox for business reasons.
It's sad to say but when teams get to the top they're revenue generating audience really is a fairweather audience. The die-hards usually forgo spending a bundle on scalped tickets, and instead watch the game with their buddies at home with a thirty pack. The die-hards don't rush out to buy the newest free agent's jersey, they usually still sport a jersey they bought four or five years ago with their broken in dirt dog-esque fitted cap.
Some moves I wouldn't mind them making is to trade Buccholz and another class A prospect to the Rangers for Taylor Teagarden. Hopefully Varitek will come back at a discounted price and teach Teagarden a bit for a year or two. Then I wouldn't mind them bringing back Payton or possibly Kapler to help out in the outfield. Some other platoon players to look out for would be Russ Branyan, Eric Hinske, and Daryl Ward. You think any "pink hats" will fall in love with any of those guys...ha!
Tony this is the predicament of all big market teams. Big markets teams are not only expected to win year in, year out, but also to be exciting. The exciting part is the one that really boosts the organizations revenue up another notch.
I love the team we have now and think that they should fill in the backup roles they need via free agency and go into next year mostly a carbon copy of the team that was one game away from going to the World Series.
With that being said, fans like me represent only a small part of the percentage of revenue generators. The "Pink Hat Crowd" and the 40 something year olds with the Brooks Brothers polo shirts who pay $125+ a ticket from Ace Tickets, to bring their kids to an Orioles game are the targeted audience this off season. Those are the one's who go to see Manny, Papi, Pedro, Nomar, and now Dustin. Lowell, Lowrie, Varitek, Drew, Bay, Masterson, and even Lester are not real fairweather fan generators.
I am up in the air with whether Mark Teixeira is that fan generator, but he may be the only hope in this free agent market, besides our old friend in LA. To be honest I think the biggest story line that could attract more of the fairweathers back to Ace Tickets, is to bring back Derek Lowe and Nomar Garciaparra. Lowe would obviously go to the rotation, although I do not think they need to tamper with a rotation of Beckett (28), Dice K (28), Lester (24), Masterson (23), and Wakefield (42), and with Buccholz, Bowden, and Martinez in the farm system. Nomar would simply sell some creative t-shirts and may be useful backing up at 1st and 3rd and maybe even give Papi a rest here or there.
Again these aren't moves they necessarily need to make for team performance enhancement, but they may be moves to help the Sox for business reasons.
It's sad to say but when teams get to the top they're revenue generating audience really is a fairweather audience. The die-hards usually forgo spending a bundle on scalped tickets, and instead watch the game with their buddies at home with a thirty pack. The die-hards don't rush out to buy the newest free agent's jersey, they usually still sport a jersey they bought four or five years ago with their broken in dirt dog-esque fitted cap.
Some moves I wouldn't mind them making is to trade Buccholz and another class A prospect to the Rangers for Taylor Teagarden. Hopefully Varitek will come back at a discounted price and teach Teagarden a bit for a year or two. Then I wouldn't mind them bringing back Payton or possibly Kapler to help out in the outfield. Some other platoon players to look out for would be Russ Branyan, Eric Hinske, and Daryl Ward. You think any "pink hats" will fall in love with any of those guys...ha!
My biggest problem with going and paying for a 'biggie' is what happens when it's time to pay their current core of Papelbon, Pedroia, Youklis, Elsbury, and Lester to name a few? He looks great in the current lineup but what does it do downstream
when these guys become eligible for the big payout. How many do you get to keep and how many do you loose? As an example think of the Yankees and the names Brown, Johnson, Pavano, Giambi, Rodriguez. How many championships did they get with the dollars the spent? Zero.
So far they have traded to improve their bullpen(much needed) and little else.
Why? Because their only glaring need is catcher-assuming they will not want to overpay for an underachieving at the plate catcher and Lowell makes a near full comeback. Look at their lineup. Ellsbury, Pedroia, Poppi, Youk, Drew, Bay, Lowell, Lowrie, Catcher X. Baring injuries where do you place Tex? And who are you willing to give up to get Tex? Is he a great fit and make us better?-yes if we get to keep our core players but no if he becomes a substitute for one or more of the core.
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