Lillian

The alleged list of priority acquisitions has been LH middle of the order bat, RH starting pitcher, an outfielder and LH relief pitcher. We just acquired a southpaw bull pen arm. So, if Alexei is traded, I would think that it would have to be to address one, or two of the other priorities. Ethier could satisfy the former, and provide the Dodgers' with some of their desired salary relief. If they would include Schebler, that would be intriguing. Ethier could move to DH in a year, and Schebler could be the other OF piece, to play along side Eaton and Garcia. I know that the Dodgers are high on Schebler, but they don't really have room for him, unless they can trade all of their veteran outfielders. Pederson, Puig and one veteran are likely to fill their outfield. So, even after unloading 2 of Crawford, Kemp and Ethier, they wouldn't have room for Schebler.

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 18, 2014 -> 03:57 PM) First off, no chance of Pederson coming back for Alexei, that's just beyond unreasonable. The Dodgers are trying to make room for Pederson, not trade him. I'm hoping the Sox are focused on some kind of package around Schebler. Bingo!! That's whom I've been hoping they will get. Lots of potential and a left handed power bat. He's blocked by the guys who will be in the outfield, even if the Dodgers can move a couple of the high priced, aging veterans. I'm not discounting some other swap that might include Kemp or Ethier, but Schebler could be part of our young core, and a much needed LH Power Bat.

I agree that Ethier's poor performance last year is the big concern. If he has indeed begun his decline, and last year is representative of what that decline will look like, his acquisition would be a horrible mistake. Is there some other explanation for what happened last year, aside from his somewhat limited playing time, and his being disgruntled over it?

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 18, 2014 -> 09:35 AM) My point of view is that to get a team to take Either, they are going to have to offer some sort of enticement, whether that be cash, or a top prospect, who knows. The bigger the enticement, the bigger the return to get back to LAD. NO ONE. Is taking on Either and his contract, without getting something extra in return. I have always thought that a Danks for (insertLADOFhere) along with a dollar amount to balance out any of the years that Danks doesn't have a deal for, makes the most sense for both teams. If the Dodgers would actually swap Ethier for Danks, and only require the Sox to kick in something toward the difference in salary owed, that would be a very good deal, IMO.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Nov 18, 2014 -> 09:31 AM) No. They are not in any financial hardship and will not give up players of value for only salary relief. You may be able to get them to swap Danks for Ethier as they need someone to fill in the back of their rotation. The $71M he is owed over the next four years is an awful lot of salary to take on for a platoon player at the back end of his career, especially one that hits a replacement level. It's $56 Million for 3 years, including the $2.5 Million buy out, and the Sox wouldn't lose a draft pick. He has been a very good hitter his whole career until last year. If he can put up his normal numbers, he's a better hitter than Alex Rios, or Melky Cabrera vs. RHP.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 18, 2014 -> 09:04 AM) If you are taking on Either's contract, you had better have a damned good reason to do so. Honestly I can't see the Dodgers being willing to give any team enough extras to take that on. Do I understand you correctly, in that you think the Dodgers might be willing to just let some team take Ethier and the contract, without asking for a player in return, as long as they would assume the entire contract? In fact, you think that would be difficult for the Dodgers to sell any team on that deal.

In another thread, i've suggested trying to acquire Ethier, for nothing more than picking up his salary. Putting aside the feasibility of such a scenario, whom would you rather have; Melky Cabrera on a 4 year deal, at the numbers you guys have suggested, or Ethier for 3 years, and $56 Million, taking into account that Cabrera would cost a draft pick.

Everything I read suggests that the Dodgers are highly motivated to clear some salary room and to open up at least one outfleld spot. Unless they have a use for Danks, I don't see them taking on another big contract, which would defeat one of the primary purposes of moving an outfielder. As I posted elsewhere, it might be feasible to get Ethier, by simply offering to take his contract.

Everything I read suggests that the Dodgers are highly motivated to clear some salary room and to open up at least one outfleld spot. Unless they have a use for Danks, I don't see them taking on another big contract, which would defeat one of the primary purposes of moving an outfielder. As I posted elsewhere, it might be feasible to get Ethier, by simply offering to take his contract, much like they did when the acquired Rios.

To follow up on the Ethier specualation: Could the Dodgers be willing to just have someone take him and his contract, with no trade involved. He might be worth the $18 Million per year, for 3 years, if it didn't require giving up a prospect. I'd pay a premium not to have to sign someone to a longer contract than 3 years, especially for a player in his mid 30's. Moreover, we wouldn't lose a draft pick. My biggest concern is whether or not he is good enough to bat in the middle of the lineup, versus RHP. He definitely is not suitable vs. LHP. Against RHP, he has been almost as good as V. Martinez. His career average is over .300, with an OBP of .383 and a Slugging % of over .500. That would work!!! The problem is that he would really need to be platooned. However, the Sox have enough right handed hitters, with whom he could be platooned. That would also give him a little rest, which might help an aging player. It all depends upon whether or not last year was an aberration, or the beginning of a serious decline.

That is close to what it might take in dollars to assume Ethier's contract from L.A. If they would indeed take Danks, in the deal, would you prefer Ethier, or Cabrera? It's one year less, and a chance to unload the Danks contract.

QUOTE (knightni @ Nov 17, 2014 -> 03:47 PM) Ethier has one more extra additional year (2017) on his deal than Danks at 17.5 mil + a 2.5 mil buyout after that. If they got 20 mil to offset the final year and the buyout, the Sox owe $4 mil more ($18 mil as opposed to $14 mil) to Ethier per year than Danks in '15 and '16. Yes. I thought that was precisely what I said. Do the Sox really need $20 Million to offset the difference? Wouldn't half of that be sufficient? I would rather have Ethier than Danks the next two years, and he is probably worth the extra $3.7 Million in each of those years. If the last year of his contract cost the Sox around $7 Million, after accounting for $10 Million from the Dodgers, don't you think that would be reasonable?

The biggest question in my mind, regarding Ethier, is whether or not last year's dramatic decline in offensive performance is merely an aberration, or the beginning of a significant decline. I understand that he was unhappy about not getting more playing time, but was there any other possible explanation for his poor year?

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Nov 17, 2014 -> 02:59 PM) I don't doubt the possibility that they could deal Danks for Ethier, but I don't think they're getting $20 mill back from LA. They may get a little to offset the cost in the final year, but not $20 million. Ethier is owed a little less than $4Million more than Danks, in each of the next two seasons. If he could fill the need for another outfielder, and a left handed bat, an even swap might be justified. The problem is the 3RD year of his contract, when he will still be owed another $17.5 Million, while Danks' contract will have expired. If the Sox could get a little relief for that 3RD year, it might be worth while. Does Ethier represent a good enough defensive upgrade in RF to justify acquiring him?

The Pirates also have Josh Bell waiting in the wings. He should be ready to join their crowded outfield soon.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Nov 13, 2014 -> 10:18 PM) Everyone in that Dodgers outfield other than Crawford seems to have "pouting/attitude" issues because they all want to play every single day. Well, that's too bad, because the best fit may be Ethier. He is a left handed bat that could hit behind Abreu. He's not the hitter I had hoped for, but he would do vs. RH pitching. However, if he thinks that he's going to face LH pitching on the Sox, he can go ahead and pout. He is not a viable option against LH pitching. He could work, platooned with Semien or even Shuck, who hits lefties, even though he is left handed, himself. However, Ethier is not an every day player, especially hitting behind Abreu. if he faces lefties, he should be batting way down at the bottom of the order. Get the Dodgers to kick in some money, and tell Ethier to shut up and play when and where he's told. Geez, I hate these modern day prima donnas!!

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 14, 2014 -> 01:10 AM) I think the best the Sox could hope for is JR Murphy or a prospect of equal value. I cannot say it enough, Alexei does not have the value people would like to think he has. Put it this way. If I were looking for a SS, I would not be willing to give up too much for Alexei for reasons I've already listed in this thread. Honestly, I'm not so sure I'd give up Greene for Alexei straight up. You've probably stated your reasons elsewhere, but please reiterate why you think Alexei does not have the value, which many of us perceive. He is durable, provides Gold Glove caliber defense with great range and a canon for an arm. Offensively, he is a run producer, with a little pop, and a stolen base threat. And, he is signed to a reasonable contract for 2 more years. Hey, if other GM's don't see the value, keep him. He certainly has great value to the Sox!

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 14, 2014 -> 12:59 AM) Agree with everything you say. I think Gillaspie is still young enough to continue improving but how much is the question. I'm hoping the Sox try to grab Headley and use Gillaspie as a backup at1st and 3rd base as well as batted in the DH slot. I like Gillaspie's versatility and bat. Defensively I think Flowers can handle ground ball pitchers but pitch framing is a different story. I agree that Flowers needs to work on pitch framing but I'm concerned about finding a different catcher and then find out that catcher lacks in another area. Flowers will continue to get better so unless an obvious upgrade comes along, he's the guy. Hopefully the Sox figure it out before Danish makes his debut because that kid induces a ton of ground balls. Sox have time as far as Danish is concerned though. My problem with trading Alexei is replacing his defense won't be easy. IMO, the Sox best bet is Sanchez at SS and Semien at 2B, or at least with the players the Sox currently have anyway. Do you think that Sanchez has the arm to play SS? Their respective roles were exactly reversed in much of their Minor League play.

QUOTE (WhiteSoxLifer @ Nov 13, 2014 -> 01:13 PM) Top 5 blockbuster trade ideas 4. Alexei Ramirez to the Yankees, Shane Greene to the White Sox http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/10123...o?tcid=tw_share Take a look at his Minor League Stats. He consistently gave up a lot of hits. I'm not impressed. Doesn't look like he'd be much better than Noesi. His limited time as a rookie, last year, was ok, but based on those Minor League stats, I wouldn't have great expectations.

A couple of points: 1) If Martinez signed for 4 years, $68 Million, with the Tigers, it would have cost the Sox more. Didn't he indicate that he really wanted to return to Detroit, if they were close on their offer? 2) The Sox do not need just another left handed bat. They specifically need a MIDDLE OF THE ORDER, left handed bat. Therefore, names like Colby Rasmus do not qualify. Melky Cabrera, perhaps, but I'm not holding my breath.

I don't see any other viable option to fill the need for a left handed, middle of the order bat. I'm now in favor of continuing to acquire young talent, and to target 2016 as the year to seriously contend. Let's see what they have in Garcia, Rodon and a couple of the young middle infielders, maybe even Wilkins. Then fill in the holes, in the next off season. That would mean that Hahn looks to the international market, to spend some of that money, burning a hole in his pocket. Might as well also trade Alexei, and get more youngsters. Sorry to be so negative, but I don't see how they put a contending team on the field this year. Even if they spend and extra $40 million, over last year, whom are they going to acquire, that would make them competitive for this season?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 12, 2014 -> 07:00 AM) Isn't his agent Boras? Another reason to think there is. 99.999999% chance he signs with another team. Boras is indeed his agent.

Just to clarify my thoughts: I am not in favor of signing any pitcher to a 7, or 8 year deal, maybe not even 6 years. They are simply to fragile. Now, if there were a reincarnated Hoyt Wilhelm or Wilbur Wood, out there, I might reconsider. It's unbelievable. These modern day pitchers are only asked to throw 100 pitches, every 5 days, and they can't stay healthy.

QUOTE (shysocks @ Nov 11, 2014 -> 05:27 PM) Scherzer in quality starts: 1.46 ERA, average 7 IP Scherzer in non-QS: 7.02 ERA, average 6 IP Danks in quality starts: 2.48 ERA, average 6.2 IP Danks in non-QS: 9.43 ERA, 5.1 IP Scherzer is a much better pitcher. Of course he is!! I wan't arguing that he wasn't. Just some interesting observations. I also didn't mention that Comerica is an easier place to pitch. Thank you for taking the time to do the statistical calculations on the respective ERA's for both pitchers, in the various circumstances.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Nov 11, 2014 -> 04:54 PM) My presumption is you could trade for a Jackie Bradley, who Boston has soured on. Also depends on what the view is of best statistics for defensive players. For example, if you focus on UZR, Bradley, Markakis, Aoki all rank very highly amongst outfielders. They don't necessarily all rank highly from a DWAR perspective. Dustin Ackley might be easily available. Again, I'm focusing on defense here and not saying that all of these players are there. Maybe you have that guy on your current roster in Jordan Danks (not sure how he'd grade out defensively over a full season). Danks is probably still regarded as the best defensive outfielder in the organization.