Identifying potential Sox trade partners
Years ago, the spin was altogether different: Who could possibly want what the Red Sox have to sell? But now, with the Boston farm system among the most productive in baseball, particularly with regard to pitching, the Red Sox have the goods.
| MAZZ'S HOT STOVE SERIES: Continuing today and ending on Nov. 13, the day before free agents can sign with any team, the Globe's Tony Massarotti will tackle an offseason topic of interest to Red Sox fans each day. Check out the schedule below. Shortstop in focus Yankees: Under construction Handicapping the field of potential Manny suitors Top prize: Mark Teixeira Most likely Sox trade partners Big-ticket starters and the art of building a bullpen Tony's best- and worst-case offseason scenarios for the Red Sox and Yankees MORE FROM MAZZ: |
Now in their seventh offseason since their historic change in ownership, the Red Sox clearly have demonstrated a willingness to think big. During the Henry era, the Sox have executed offseason trades for, among others, Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, and Mike Lowell, the latter two coming in the same transaction. Generally speaking, all of Boston's big trades have come using prospects inherited from the Dan Duquette regime, largely for a pair of reasons.
- General manager Theo Epstein was intent on restocking the farm system with players drafted by new Sox administrators, meaning he focused more on adding than subtracting.
- Epstein clearly likes his own minor leaguers better than those of Duquette, which is entirely understandable.
Think about it: Excluding rent-a-player acquisitions like Eric Gagne, Paul Byrd, and Mark Kotsay -- all of whom were shrewd pickups by Epstein -- the young Sox general manager has protected his youngest assets. The Sox went just far enough in talks for Johan Santana last winter to send him somewhere else. A year earlier, the Sox signed Daisuke Matsuzaka, J.D. Drew, and Julio Lugo, filling their needs via free agency. And following the 2006 season, owner John Henry was among those who argued for signing A.J. Burnett rather than trading for Beckett, largely because the former did not require the forfeiture of any young talent.
As much as the Red Sox have argued that the free-agent market is "inefficient" -- that is often Epstein's description of choice -- they have shown a willingness to sacrifice dollars more than players. Given the success of the Boston operation on the whole, that is not meant to sound like a criticism as much as it is a statement of fact, demonstrating just how much value the Sox place on their prospects.
The point? The Red Sox have made it quite clear at this stage that they will not give away their young players. Just the same, the Sox have a handful of needs this offseason, some of which (like catcher) might more easily be filled through trade than via free agency, depending on developments in this year's market.
Here is a look at some teams that could be a "fit" for the Sox come trade time, starting with the most obvious:
- Texas Rangers. The Rangers need pitching and have catching to deal, which makes them the ideal trade partner for the Sox. Quite simply, there is no better fit. Texas has four catchers on its 40-man roster -- Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden, and Max Ramirez -- and one major league evaluator recently suggested that the Rangers would be willing to deal two of them (so long as Ramirez is one of the two).
That leaves Laird, Teagarden, or Saltalamacchia as the centerpiece of any deal.
Clearly, if the Sox wanted Laird, they easily could get him. The defensively skilled Teagarden (who is also blessed with power) and the hyped Saltalamacchia are more desirable targets that will cost more, though Epstein and his baseball operations staff understand the difficulty in finding good young catching. If the Red Sox ever were to give up a top pitching prospect like Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, or Justin Masterson -- the last is unlikely -- this is precisely the kind of deal that would inspire them to do it.
So why hasn't a deal been struck yet? As every executive likes to say at this time of year, there are a lot of "moving parts." If the Red Sox can upgrade their offense significantly on the free-agent market, they can make a lesser trade (Laird?) and keep their pitching prospects because the rest of their lineup would allow them to carry a mediocre catcher. At the same time, if the Sox lose on someone like Mark Teixeira, the cost for Saltalamacchia or Teagarden could go up.
- Milwaukee Brewers. Let's start with the fact that while Milwaukee's payroll was about $80 million this year -- double the total from 2005 -- the Brewers still spend a little more than half the total of the Red Sox (about $155 million in 2008). Milwaukee made the playoffs this year behind a starting rotation that included CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets, but both are free agents. The Brewers might be lucky to keep one, which means they'll be looking for pitching.
Like Epstein, general manager Doug Melvin has done a nice job of amassing young talent, so Milwaukee has offense to deal for pitching. Among those potentially available are first baseman Prince Fielder and shortstop J.J. Hardy, each of whom could fill a need in the Boston lineup. If the Sox lose out on Teixeira, Fielder is an obvious backup plan. If the Sox lose out on both, they could attempt to upgrade the offense at shortstop and catcher while keeping Kevin Youkilis at first base and Mike Lowell at third, making Jed Lowrie available by trade or employing him as a utility man.
Why are Hardy and Fielder potentially available? Money first, organizational depth second. Fielder is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time this year (his salary will explode) and he has been dissatisfied with how the Brewers have negotiated with him in the past. In Hardy's case, the Brewers have prospect Alcides Escobar on the way and Hardy is also eligible for arbitration. Lots of possibilities here and the Sox have a strong relationship with Melvin.
- Philadelphia Phillies. Admittedly, this isn't the kind of trade that would get fans buzzing -- at least in Boston -- but the clubs could match up well depending on other developments. If the Red Sox address their lineup concerns with a presence like Teixeira or Fielder, Lowell will be available. Phillies third basemen ranked among the worst in baseball this year in terms of offensive production, and Philadelphia tried to sign Lowell last winter.
What would the Sox get back? Bullpen help or prospects, the latter of which could help re-stock the system (or address another need) if the Sox make other moves. Philadelphia had the best bullpen ERA in the majors this year and has the payroll to take on Lowell's contract, assuming the player's health. That said, Lowell (hip surgery) needs to prove he is healthy before any kind of deal can happen.
Keep in mind: The Sox are not necessarily looking to trade Lowell as much as it is an option. Beyond his obvious value as a player, part of the reason the club was willing to sign him last offseason is because third basemen are in short supply, which means Lowell has value on the trade market.
- Cleveland Indians. The odds are not likely that Cleveland will trade catcher Kelly Shoppach, but again, there's a fit if these teams want to explore it. The Indians ranked among the major league leaders in offensive production from their catchers last season and they effectively have two starters in Victor Martinez and Shoppach. The latter, of course, is a former Red Sox prospect whom the Sox sent away in the Coco Crisp deal, but his value has now skyrocketed after a season in which he hit 21 home runs.
For what it's worth, Shoppach is now 28, only offering further evidence that catchers are often late to develop.
Like many clubs, Cleveland is in the market for pitching and/or an infielder, which makes the Sox a good match. The problem (for the Sox) is that Indians general manager Mark Shapiro recognizes Shoppach's value and easily could make Martinez his first baseman while shifting Ryan Garko to designated hitter given the dropoff in Travis Hafner's game. In the end, the Sox likely would have to persuade the Indians here, and it's not in Epstein's nature to overpay. Still, the teams match up, which makes anything possible.
- San Diego Padres. Just as Duquette frequently dealt with his former team, the Montreal Expos, so Epstein has dealt with his former club, the Padres. San Diego GM Kevin Towers looks to be in the process of blowing things up and starting over, which means everyone is available. Already, the Sox reportedly inquired about a deal that would send Crisp to the Padres for shortstop Khalil Greene, though, obviously, the Padres would have made that deal by now if it had any real appeal to them.
Still, the Padres were so bad last year that Towers seems to be putting most everyone up for auction. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez would seem untouchable given that he is young, productive, and cost-effective, but the Padres also have a power-hitting prospect in the 6-foot-6-inch, 270-pound Kyle Blanks, a 21-year-old slugger who has knocked in 100 or more runs in each of the last two minor league seasons. Again, Epstein has a great deal to offer if the Padres truly want to go young, though it seems more likely that the Padres would trade Blanks, who might have limited value in Boston at the moment. (Note that the Sox tried to get Gonzalez from the Rangers before Texas foolishly shipped him -- and pitcher Chris Young, no less -- to San Diego in a deal centered around Adam Eaton.
Remember: The Sox' most valuable assets are their prospects, which means that the club's best chances for a deal are with rebuilding clubs or those possessing a small payroll (or both). Crisp and Lowell are not likely to get them anything big in return. Also, because the wild card has created interdivisional competition, deals within the league are now comparable to those within the division, making trades with NL clubs more likely.
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Personally,I think pitching is indispensable...especially with the young talent.They can can go another avenue,if possible,Lowell.If,as you mentioned,third basemen are needed,then Lowell is an obvious answer.Then we know the rest......Youk at 3,Lowrie at short,etc....Youk's power seems to be a strong highlight this year.I,for one,believe it's genuine.So,that be true,how about Tiexiera with a BIG PUSH,trade Papi,if possible.and aquire the MUCH NEEDED CATCHER!!......Papi is a gamble,but try to keep the team young......The Sox would have very good power.The young kids'power should only mature and the pitching should improve
Nobody's trading Papi.
never trade papi
Why not the Seattle Mariners as a trade partner? They have a new GM who will want to remake the team. They have two catchers on the roster who deserve to start. Kenji Johjima is still only 32, while catcher-of-the-future Jeff Clement is ready to take over at 25. They're starting pitching is Bedard-Hernandez-Morrow, then pray. Crisp-Johjima or Buchholz-Clement should be a match.
Greene would be a nice pickup at shortstop making Lowrie a perfect fit as utility player until he get further develop his hitting (over the long run). Saltalmacchia or Teagarden, take your pick. Why not Kevin Cash as starter while we develop one of those? However, I think Shoppach for Buckholtz makes good sense and brings much needed power to the lower third or our lineup.
We could really use Texiera. Hate to admit it, but we could pick up some bullpen relief by trading Lowell.
Finally, sign Sheets!!
Starting Lineup
Ellsbury (Crisp, if not to be traded)
Pedroia
Ortiz
Youkilis
Texiera
Bay
Drew
Shoppach, Salt, Teagarden
Lowrie (maybe Greene)
Sounds interesting this suggeted deal with Milwaukee but knowing Theo the most likely should be with Texas.
One thing is true: Boston needs a CATCHER NOW FOR THE FUTURE
Another thing is true as well: Boston needs to improve their pitching, both, I think, Relief and Starting.
And if they can upgrade their offense we can figure out about a elite team TO BEAT in American League Est.
Trade Papi? Hilarious.
I think the most appealing trade rumor is Jarrod Saltalamacchia coming to boston, I dont know much about him, but what i have read it sounds to me like this kid could be the next varitek...and why wouldn't we want a 22 year old varitek? I have also read that he hasn't exactly found his defense abilities yet, but I'm sure he will develop them with the right coaching. So why not trade a pitching prospect for him and re-sign varitek to a one or two year deal so he can learn the defenseive side of catching?
Why on earth would we trade Papi??? Manny's absence in the lineup was sorely felt during the ALCS and his production MUST be replaced. Texiera without Papi gains us little. Best suggestion is make a hard run at Texiera and acquire Laird. Re-sign Varitek for 2 years or let him walk...
I hope the Sox open their wallets and make a good bid for Teixeira, especially if the bidding comes down to Boston and NY. If I remember correctly, the Sox payroll in 2007 was around $147 mil and around $138 mil in 2008. The Sox should be able to afford a $150-155 mil payroll in 2009 without a problem as revenue keeps going up. Right now, I'll guess the Sox have about $118 mil commited for 2009 with Manny and Schill off the books and the addition of Bay (Bay and Schill are about equal in salary). So spend some money on Tex! Yes, the Sox may have to eat some of Lowell's salary in a trade, but it looks like the Sox have about $30-40 mil available to work with if not more.
As the new GM of the Red Sox I will sign Ben Sheets to an incetive laden contract. I will then bring old friend Derek Lowe back.
My rotation will consist of
Beckett
Lester
Sheets
Lowe
Dice-K
I will keep Masterson and continue to use him in the bullpen. I will trade Buchholtz only if it nets me a solid catcher like Saltalamachia or Shoppach. I may prefer to take a flier on Miguel Montero of the D-Backs as he may come cheaper and like many catchers may be a late bloomer.
I will move Youk back to 3B and try to trade Lowell to build our bullpen. I will do the same with Crisp, and see if I can attach Lugo to a deal without the other team noticing.
I will not take a chance on Sabathia unless he agrees to a fitness incentive, and even then you have to wonder about his long term durability. Let the Yankees or Angels spend their $125 million on him.
Thank You,
Your New Red Sox GM
What about trading SS Julio Lugo? I don't think his name is brought up once in this article, yet the article is about trades and the Red Sox are most definitely going to trade Lugo, unless they just release him which I find unlucky. I don't know why he is not mentioned. There have been numerous reports about teams such as Detroit and the White Sox being potential suitors for Lugo, in which the BoSox would either have to pick up Robertson or D-train from Detroit, or Vazquez or Swisher from Chicago.
What, nothing about Jason Bay? Massarotti has been trying to trade him since the season ended--although I cannot fathom why; he is cheap and productive. The Coco for Greene deal is hogwash, was never discussed. Thank god Theo is the GM and not Massarotti.
Jack from Florida is an idiot.
Some good points, Mazz, but I strongly object to the Dave Murphy/Kason Gabbard for Eric Gagne trade being referred to as a "shrewd pickup."
Some good points, Mazz, but I strongly object to the Dave Murphy/Kason Gabbard for Eric Gagne trade being referred to as a "shrewd pickup."
I think you need to point out that while the Sox have shown a willingness to sacrifice dollars more than players, signing type A free agents cost them 2 draft picks and type B free agents cost the one draft pick. Lugo, Drew, Rentaria all cost them high draft picks. They can throw money at problems but as the Yankees have shown, signing big ticket free agents and losing drafts picks can haunt you down the road.
If Gagne was a shrewd pick-up, then Julio Lugo is a power-hitter
Kahlil Greene is a lifetime .248 hitter with .304 OBP (Lugo .271/.330+) and makes only 5 or 6 fewer errors per season than Lugo. He is no upgrade, in fact he is worse. Lowrie is a steadier fielder and, likely, a much better hitter (perhaps with less power.) Let's put to rest any notion of Kahlil Greene being the answer at shortstop.
I have no problem trading Papi if it means we can insert a young power hitter in their prime (Texiera). I think Papi may help land a decent young catcher from Texas (along with another mid-level pitcher). Once Lowell leaves, switch Youk back to 3rd, and Texiera to 1st. You are now in the perfect position to acquire another power hitting DH
My lineup is as follows:
Ellsbury - CF
Pedroia - 2B
Youkilis - 1B
Texiera - DH
Bay - LF
Drew - RF
Lowell - 3B
Teagarden/Salty - C
Lowry - SS
eric gagne is a shrewd pick up??? is that a misprint? hope so... if not you should go back to writing with Tomase...
Some good points, Mazz, but I strongly object to the Dave Murphy/Kason Gabbard for Eric Gagne trade being referred to as a "shrewd pickup."
well a few things 1.) I see that the sox have a good relationship with texas gm Daniels which even though the sox got screwed in the Gabbard/Murphy prospect for Gagne deal I think they still have a good relationship with Daniels as long as he doesn't ask for more than bucholtz and maybe a young prospect outfielder jason place?? or josh reddick? 2.) I think that Theo also has a great relatonship with San Diago but I don't see a trade match with them. I would then like to see the Sox make a HARD RUN at Texeria but not overpaying for him but it is just money and the sox do have that with manny and schillings contracts off the books which could help. But getting texeria would not only help the defense shifting Youk to third and sadly i just don't see Lowell making a successful comeback and I could see them trading him for some young prospects or maybe a minor piece to the puzzle.. I also see Texeria just adding more balance to the iineup helping Ortiz which as he said today he would like to see another 30 hr bat in the lineup.
So okay overall GET TEXERIA TRADE FOR SALTY/SHOPPACH/MONTERO/ LARID AND OH YEA PEDROIA FOR MVP
As for getting more pitching I LOVE the idea of going after Ben Sheets but another name i would look at is the newly released Brad Penny Sheets and Penny are very similar both hard throwing pitchers with a bit of some injuries and the sox are known for looking at reclamation projects.. wade miller, colon and so why not look at Penny who I think was still with florida when john henry was there I am not sure about the relationship between the two i have read that henry was more fond of A.J. Burnett but maybe he had a decent relationship with Penny ..
I also like the idea of the sox going after resigning d-lowe who has wanted to return to boston and i think he would definitely sore up the rotation and eat up some innings.. but they are also looking and kawakami who from what i have read has a similar makeup to hiroki kuroda so i would love to see a rotation of
Beckett
Lester
Penny/Lowe
Dice K
Wake
BUT THEY ALSO NEED BULLPEN HELP.. anyone have any ideas of names that could be good help both internally and via trade/free agency?
Why not trade with the Cubs?
Hey Chris, good job with the "Anonymous" name ! LOL
also as a 4th outfielder if they do decide to trade crisp and don't go after kotsay which idon't see happening is going after the local boy Rocco Baldelli.. yes he has a chronic health issue michcondrial disease ( spelling i know sorry :( ) but i think he would be great not only would he be a great 4th outfielder spelling ells drew and maybe even bay but i think if the sox gave him the chance to come and play why not take it.. yes he has a very strong connection with the rays but i think the rays with gabe gross in right and they are looking for a more powerhitting dh/4th outfielder could let baldelli go and i think the sox should get him .. this would not only be a great uplifting story but a great ball player coming back to the fens
The perfect trade partner is the Marlins. Put a kick ass package of young players together for Hanley R. that will solve SS + improve the hitting. His salary is not that bad. Since the Sox had to trade some pitching to acquire Hanley they now can go for broke and sign CC. The money now paid to CC and Hanley makes some sense.
Do not trade young arms, even for a catcher (especially a catcher prospect who may ultimately be a bust).
If I were Theo, Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden, and Clay Bucholz, would all be non-negotiables (like Jacoby Ellsbury seems to be).
Speak up for your gold chip pitcher prospects, Red Sox Nation!
...Trade Papi? Ok he has had his struggles but really? I mean 2 years ago if you said by 2008 Manny and Papi would be gone you'd prolly get shot and then laughed at. that would just be stupid. Here's wut our roster should look like next year:
Ellsburry/Coco, Pede, Papi, Teix, Youk, Drew, Bay, Salty/teagarden/shoppach/laird,lowri
Keeping a right/left/right left throughout the heart of the line up, our pitching cood be:
Beck,Dice-k, lester,lowe,Wake
I think that we need to make a hard run at teixeria and bring in salt and then sign varitek to a 1 year deal and a club option. I know that theo wants to bolster this club. The team is good but I think we need more pop in the lineup. GO BOSTON! 2009 world chapions!
After a few trades and signings the Sox should look like this
Lineup:
CF Ellsbury L
2B Pedroia R
DH Ortiz L
3B Youkilis R
1B Teixeira S
LF Bay R
RF Drew L
C Varitek S
SS Lowrie S
Bench
C Saltalamacchia/Teagarden platoon with Varitek, learn from him
OF Crisp
1B Carter/Bailey
2B/SS/3B N. Punto/C. Izturis/F. Lopez/J. Uribe
Rotation
Beckett
Matsuzaka
Lester
Lowe/Dempster/Burnett
Wakefield
Bullpen
Papelbon
Okajima
Masterson
Delcarmen
Lopez
Bowden/Buccholz
W. Ohman/J. Beimel/R. Springer/J. Cruz
..you call getting Gagne a shrew deal by Epstein, good thing your not the GM!
With the benefit of hindsight, the Gagne trade obviously did not work out to Boston's benefit. However, at the time it happened, most everyone thought it was exactly what was needed to assure the World Series victory that we ended up getting despite Gagne's performance. So I would still classify it as a shrewd "pick-up", just one that didn't end up working out.
Hey guys
What about Pudge Rodriguez? He is a free agent... won't cost prospects... future hall of famer.
Sign Lowe... Sign Texeira... Sign Pudge... Sign Baldelli or Upton (if available). We keep the prospects. Then we can add something else if we trade Coco and Lugo.
2 years ago, the thought of Manny/Papi both being gone was similar to the idea of Nomar being gone in 2002. We all know how that worked out.
Lets be honest, I love Papi as much as anyone. But hes in decline. not just from a numbers stand point, but physically. get what you can for him...
With a 5 man rotation, don't forget Tim Wakefield. He left with a lead after 5 innings and the bullpen managed to lose the lead 7 times. He would have had a great year.
HUH!......Alex, the club you listed below is a 3rd place or 4th place club in next years AL East. You should have much higher expectations.
After a few trades and signings the Sox should look like this
Lineup:
CF Ellsbury L
2B Pedroia R
DH Ortiz L
3B Youkilis R
1B Teixeira S
LF Bay R
RF Drew L
C Varitek S
SS Lowrie S
Bench
C Saltalamacchia/Teagarden platoon with Varitek, learn from him
OF Crisp
1B Carter/Bailey
2B/SS/3B N. Punto/C. Izturis/F. Lopez/J. Uribe
Rotation
Beckett
Matsuzaka
Lester
Lowe/Dempster/Burnett
Wakefield
Bullpen
Papelbon
Okajima
Masterson
Delcarmen
Lopez
Bowden/Buccholz
W. Ohman/J. Beimel/R. Springer/J. Cruz
why not trade papi he has not done [nothing] in two years get rid of him why he is worth something big guys like him dont last go get textiera he is young. whats papi got 2 years maybe if that hes braking down
There is one guy we all are forgetting. Julio Lugo. The tigers need a SS and have a pitcher who needs a new landscape. Trade Lugo straight up for the D-train Dontrelle Willis. He would be a guy who could learn from John Farrel
I think Youk would make a great catcher. Hard nosed player willing to play every day even when not 100%. Why not?
What about Joe Mauer ? He has 2 yrs left on his contract, $10.5 million in 2009 and $12.5 million in 2010. Maybe the Twins would be interested in some of our young pitchers and I think Joe would take care of our backstop for years. If not sign Tek for 2 yrs and make a run at Mauer then. I just hope that Tek will end up replacing Farrell as the pitching coach, as I see John F. eventually taking a coaching job sometime soon. We were lucky to keep him for '08 and next year.
Definitely sign Vtek for a couple years and trade for saltalamacchia so he can learn from tek. Really go hard after teixeira, move youk to third. I love the guy, but we should trade Lowell either as an addition to some other trade like with coco or with lugo or just use him to bolster the pen or prospects. Sign Sheets. I agree we should trade Ortiz. He's nothing like what he used to be. Get what you can for him now as his value is higher than it ever will be again. However, in the next year or two, Lars Anderson should be ready to come up and fill the DH hole, so possibly waiting one more year to deal Ortiz would be the right choice. As for Coco, Lowell and Lugo, use them to add some lefties to the bullpen or get more prospects. Or if there was a way you could send them together somewhere with some prospects for a good young bat, someone like a Miguel Cabrera, do that. Giving the 09 sox a lineup of:
CF Ellsbury
2b Pedroia
DH Ortiz
1B Teixeira
3B Youkilis
LF Bay
RF Drew
C Varitek/Salty
SS Lowrie
with a rotation of
Beckett
Lester
Sheets
Dice K
Wake/Buchholz
I would love to see the Sox be able to resign "The Captain"...but not for anywhere near the ridiculous figure that his agent is asking. If the Sox could sign him to, say, a 3 year, $21-$25 mil. dollar deal...he'd be worth having around because of his leadership skills, the way he handles the pitching staff, and his skill at calling a game.
With all the pitching in the minor leagues and the relatively young major league rotation we have we have no choice but to trade one of the "big three" pitching prospects just because there's no room for them in the big clubs rotation. Look at it: Beckett, Lester and Daisuke, all three of them should be here for a long time to come, so that leaves a maximum of 2 spots so if Texas wants either Buchholz or Bowden for either Salty or Teagarden you have to do it. Also, I'm not one for underhandedness but if you trade for one of those catchers Tek's probably not going to come back, so I think you need to get him locked up as soon as possible and then go after one of the prospects so they can learn from the master for a year or two and be that much better. I think they NEED to go after Tex, if they land him they will have FOUR guys with 30 HR potential ( Ortiz, Youk, Bay and Tex) and I wouldn't be surprised to see Peedie make the leap to up around 25 HR's. The only way we would be able to use Tex though is if Mike Lowell were traded. I'm thinking the Phillies would be willing to give up a reliever for Lowell, if not Philly maybe Milwaukee?
The Seattle Mariners can match the Rangers' organizational depth at catcher.
Rob Johnson's defensive skills rival those of Taylor Teagarden, who is only five months younger than Johnson.
Johnson far outperformed Teagarden in the minors this season with a .305 batting average, .363 on-base percentage and .804 OPS in 417 at-bats at Triple A Tacoma. Teagarden hit .211 with a .319 on-base percentage and .693 OPS in 246 minor league at-bats spread over Double A and Triple A.
I do not think Lowell should be traded, I have faith that he will bounce back and be superb once again. Let Papi go and get Texeira for dh. Work hard to get help for Veritek, he sure needs it. Keep him as he is mentally good for the team. I would also like to see Bay, Ellsbury and Drew stay in the outfield.
Why would we want Prince Fielder or Ben Sheets?
Fielder and his Mo Vaughn body will have a short career, he is grossly fat.
Sheets is nice when he's healthy, but when has he ever been healthy?
Jack the Idiot here!....Papi's getting on,also a liability on the basepaths.His age is against him.The Sox have to stay young.He's going to gain weight and the health issue.Listen,I love Ortiz as much as the next person.But, this is a very BIG year for the Bosox....Jason Bay is only going to get better,surrounded by better hitters.His production will increase.We need a young hitter (Tiexiera)..The club is faster and still learning.....Papi could bring the bat we need now in Tiex....If manny is worth 20-25 million,what will Tiexiera demand.You can't tell me Manny is worth MORE than him.Power,defense,speed and youth.The Sox have to stay young...Idiot Out !! TY
"...it's not in Epstein's nature to overpay." What on earth could this mean? Careful.
(Tony Massarotti: Before you read into it too much, Epstein has said on countless occasions that free-agent signings, by nature, require overpaying, which is something he is generally opposed to, despite the Red Sox payroll. Also, look at some of the Sox players he has resigned: David Ortiz, Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield and Bronson Arroyo, among others, all signed deals that favored the club. Epstein simply draws a line on value, then stops.)
CF Ellsbury
2B Pedroia
1B Teixeira
DH Papi
3B Youk
LF Bay
RF Drew
C Tek/ Salty or Laird
SS Anyone but Lugo
\
Eric Gagne for David Murphy and Kason Gabbard a shrewd pick-up? Come on Mazz!
Has anyone looked at the tremendous value Kevin Youkilis has in that he can do almost anything (3rd, 1st, LF etc??). Here's a tempting thought: open the bank for Tex; move Pedroia to short (didn't he play there as a minor leaguer?; whatever you might sacrifice defensively - not much- he would more than make up for given the alternative is Lugo/Lowrie - ) and PLAY YOUK AT SECOND - Youk can do anything a baseball team asks - the Sox MVP in part because he is so versatile. Imagine: Ellsbury/Pedroia/Ortiz/Tex/Youk/Lowell/Bay/Drew/Varitek........
Tony, can you please stop using the word "clearly"? This word is used much too often. It's losing it's affect and to be honest, I hate the word. There is an odd phenomenon happening concerning this word. It's all you hear on WEEI and even on tv. Especially sitcoms. It reminds me of the word "random" that everyone was using about 10 years ago. It's nauseating. Another example of an annoyingly over used word is "again". Francona is famous for it. He says the word about 20 times per interview. He'll say it when he hasn't even expressed the "again" part in the first place. I believe your articles would benefit by omitting the word "clearly".
I for one would like the Salty trade. I've seenthis kid in Atlanta and Texas. He seems to be different in Texas. They have screwed with his bat. Hs throw. His swing. Atlanta he was on time with fire. Everyone who's ever know the game that has played with Texas has wanted out...can't blame this kid. Texas has put out his fire. I saw that fire again in him interview stating he wanted to play again ELSEWHERE. Wake up Texas you're draining yet another prospect with your poor management. Look at Nolan Ryan cleaning house this year with coaching its only a matter of time before JD is oust. BRING SALTY TO BOSTON and let him play!
No chance Youk could or would be moved to second. He clearly doesn't have the range to play second. He's be lumbering around and would definitely hurt the Sox defensively. Can you honestly see him hanging in at second for the double play? Youk is, and will always be, a corner infielder and in desperate situations a utility left fielder. In addition, if the Sox are to sign Tex there is literally no chance that Youk would be hitting in the cleanup spot. Tex would without question be protecting Papi, with his strong avg, obp, slug%, and excellent eye this is an easy decision. Not to mention he is a switch hitter which forces managers to think more carefully about making late inning pitching changes.
Sal,
Why would you sign Texiera to play DH. He is one of the best fielding 1B in the game. It would make no sense to pay him the enormous amount of money to just DH. You'd be better off moving Youk to 3rd an trading Lowell for bullpen help. Lowell is a great 3B when healthy so making him a DH is unlikely, and many teams are in need of a 3B so why not explore what you can get for him. Youk is also a great 3B/1B so moving him to DH would not make sense either and I would not trade him at all. I still say we explore getting Miguel Montero from the D-Backs. He was a highly rated catcher coming up and has fallen out of favor in Arizona even though they have never given him a legit chance. He is still young and as could learn a lot from Varitek who should come to his senses and sign back up for 1-2 years. A Montero/Varitek split would probably help both players as Varitek can get some rest during the season and Montero can get comfortable with the staff, a new league, etc. Giving up the farm for guys like Salty/Teagarden/That guy from Seattle is not an ideal situation since these guys may or may not pan out, and Montero would cost much less and may end up being just as good.
Trading for Joe Mauer?!? The Twins have a new stadium (with NO ROOF!) coming on board, and they need to fill those seats. They will never trade the home town boy, even if the Sox gave up the heart of their order to get him (and trust me, he's not worth that).
I agree that if we can pick up a Nick Punto for a roll of quarters, he would be a great role player in Boston. I've in in St. Paul for 30 years now, but I'm still the guy in Red Sox gear at work, and Nick is a hard worker who would benefit from a position on the Sox bench. I'm glad we never went after Torii Hunter- he's always struck me as a low rent Manny Ramirez- not actually giving it all on the field, but at least never dogging it like Manny did and does.
ok red sox fans. first thing i have to say is this. there is no way that team theo would have signed mike lowell to his three year deal UNLESS they fully intended upon him living out that three years. that being said, does anyone know what position little big man pedroia played all threw college??? Ding, ding, ding! SHORT STOP! that is right folks. if the sox are able to slip out texiera because the yankess have to slightly over spend to get cc or burnett, then i promise what we will see is lowell at 3rd, texiera at first, youk playing secund(the man can play anywhere-except maybe catcher as someone suggested) and pedroia would move to short. given his age tito probably would believe that the kid could make that transaction. now that would be a line up. as far as tek goes...sign him 2 fat years with options to follow, make that trade for salty from the rangers and give the young buck a chance to apprentice under the captain.
why would you trade papi. the guy gets injured misses a month, then has problems fitting in and everyone is clamoring for him to get traded. Any team would jump on the chance to have him as their DH. Maybe if he has a few more unproductive years then talk about getting rid of him. He was not healthy this year. Also if we get tex then players like paps, pedroia and youk are gonna hold out for that kinda huge salary, then what? we turn into the yankees and have an enormous payroll. Look to the youth for talent, not FAs.
I honestly don't think they should get rid of Tek, not just for sentimental reasons. I think '08 was a statistical outlier at the plate for him, and he could easily return to hitting in the .250-.280 range. I don't think any move would be a serious offensive upgrage.
The guys value rests in his intangibles. His teams just win. World Series at the Little League, College, and Major League level, plus High School state champ. Nolan Ryan has 7 no-hitters, Tek has 4 as catcher (both MLB records). And it woulda been 5 if Schilling didn't shake him off, which Curt admits. Gotta keep Tek.
The Bosox will stand pat. Epstein is loyal to those who deserve it (He won't admit it. Not good for business) and Varitek deserves it. Plus, mistreating a captain is bad for business all around. Varitek is a class act and will vacate the starting role on his own terms probably 2011. It's time to start grooming a back-up for the inevitable today from within. The worst thing we can become is Yankee-like and spend as much talent and/or money as possible on the biggest reputation available. Any trades made will be minor and involve set-up relief to replace Timlin.
Do not trade Lowell!! He is irreplacable!
Trade Mike Lowell to Philly for a good relief pitcher. Put that relief pitcher with Lugo, and one of our young pitchers and trade them for ss Hanley R of the Marlins.
Sign Teixeira at 1st which will help Papi get better pitches to cream. Trade for C Saltalamacchia they are correct about him playing better in Atlanta he's terrific. C Jason Varitek is finished and way too much money for a coach.
Then concentrate on developing the rest of there young pitchers in the farm system. Put Wakefield in the bull pen for short relief, and Masterson as a starter. Don't get rid of
SS - Lowry. But Hanley's your man!
Gagne was among Epstein's "shrewd pickups"? I beg to differ.
Eric Gagne a shrewd pick-up? So wasn't Sarah Palin! Awful!
Why the hell are we extending the contract on P Tim Wakefield, hasn't he done enough? He may be a knuckle ball pitcher, but the guy is unrealiable, whether it's a 8 run lead or an 8 run dread. I think that if we KEEEP Lowell, our lineup with Texeira would be like this:
Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Oritz 1b/DH
Teixera 1b/dh/rf/lf
Bay LF
Drew RF/1B
Lowell 3b/IF
Varitex C
Lowrie/Lugo SS/3B
I would REALLY push to sign teixeira..if HE WANTS to be part of the picture here.(THATS TEX-eira, not ta-sheera).I hate players who don't want to be here aka Manny. b'sides, a portuguese player in Mass goes over VERY well, esp one that hits like him. Should be a plus to have a friendly fan base nearby. Give Jason a take it or leave it two yr offer. He'll be looking for a coaching job VERY soon and won't want to burn bridges. If he doesn't want to stay, Trade Bowden and Zink.. or even just Bucholtz for the pair of young catchers from Texas. Definitely Sign Lowe.
Keep Bay. If you sign Teixeira, Youk plays third..then you will have to move Lowell, as noted, to Philly for some bullpen help. Trade Poppi? What, are you on drugs?! Try just getting him back in shape and sharp. Lugo for the best offer even if you have to pay part of his salary..who made that deal anyway?..Not really wanting to move Coco unless he WANTS to leave. Let Kotsay( left 18 runners on base in the playoffs with TB!) and Byrd fly away.
I am flabbergasted that nobody has mentioned that David Ortiz slow swing the last few seasons has cost the red sox numerous runs and victories. He is extremely tradeable. I do enjoy his time spent in boston, but people need to wake up and smell the wiff.
Tex needs to come in, that is a must.
hey. maybe the sox can sign minor league working agreements with Texas, Seattle,the Twins and the Marlins. They can send those teams some good young players, maybe they win a batting title and look like a league MVP or something like that,and the Sox retrieve them in a couple of years.Meanwhile, dig this
Sox lineup..
Crawford,Pedroia,Texeira,Ortiz,Ramirez,Mauer(converted to 3rd),Youk(the new catcher cause he can play anywhere you know),Drew/Dye platoon or Halliday(in a spring coup/trade with Oakland),Bay (hitting double + 1 cleanup)
Lugo for D-Train, even up. Never know, Dontrell may straighten up. Or use him in relief. Salty wants to come here, trade Jason Bay. Captain, here's 2 years, please retire a RED SOX, @$10mill. Tex, what ever it takes for 6 years. Doesn't anyone remember Youk in left? Keep Lowell, class act great in the dugout. Lowrie at short. Lowe if the price is right, plus, he wants to play here also.
all you people that are talking about trading for hanley ramirez are idiots. theres no way the marlins trade the face of their franchise, and perhaps the best young position player in baseball. for some unknown pitching prospects and possibly lugo. the sox should trade buchholz and crisp to the rangers for salty, trade lowell away for prospects/ relief pitching, make a run at tex to mabye jack up the price for the Yankees, and hopefully prospects like lars anderson pan out, and dont forget about jason bay. with pedroia and youk just getting better, there should be plenty of RBI opportunities. plus with a full year under his belt, ellsbury's average should jump significantly.
I would to see Willie tavarez in a Red Sox Uniform
i agree that this talk of getting hanley ramirez is absurd. i agree with trading papi but maybe keeping him one more year and then replacing him with lars anderson would be best. I love lowell so if the sox can figure something out where we keep him, and sign teixeira, i'm all for it. get rid of lugo for whatever you can get. Sign DLOWE. guy is the man and may take a smaller contract to come here. get salty from texas but keep vtek for two years. trade bowden over buchholz, that way if buchholz does as well as he is in arizona right now, he can become our fifth starter, moving wakefield to the pen. and PLEASE DO NOT SIGN BYRD. PLEASEEE!
trade mike lowell please
Why would Epstein sacrifice a high draft pick and $160 million plus over 8 years to get Teixeira? The Red Sox would have to trade Lowell and block Lars Anderson. It's too much of a lateral movement, especially when they need to upgrade at shortstop. Teixeira isn't Epstein's end game. I think it's Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy. Think about it. If Epstein is targeting a free agent pitcher, then odds are Buchholz will traded - and Masterson will remain in the bullpen. Packaging Buchholz with Anderson would lay the foundation for a swap with Milwaukee. They could then use the money they would have spent on Teixeira to lock up Hardy and Fielder long-term. Besides, I think Teixeira is going to Baltimore. Don't ask why.
suck - but he's a hometown kid
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