Lillian

It seems hard to believe that TLR is not insisting upon creating better balance in the lineup, and if that is the case, J.R. would probably try to accommodate. If not Conforto, perhaps there is someone, in the last year, or two, before they reach free agency, whom Hahn could acquire, via a trade. Joey Gallo is the only one that comes to mind, and he is too flawed of a hitter to provide what the Sox need. Who else could be a candidate?

If Story's home/away splits are indicative of how he will fair, away from that mile high Colorado air, the Red Sox just overpaid, "bigly". Maybe the "Green Monster" will help offset the heavier air disadvantage, and allow him to maintain some similarly great numbers, at home. Just seems like a lot of money, considering the question marks.

That seems to be the most plausible suggestion, I've heard yet. It would explain a lot. If it is indeed a fait accompli, Boras would have no reason to be pulling his usual tricks, in order to create more interest. They may all have a hand shake agreement, and will announce the deal, once Kimbrel is dealt. One might ask; "Yes, but what if they don't find a taker?" Perhaps there is some time limit, and Hahn is merely waiting to see which team has the best offer. It's likely that he could certainly, at least, find some team to simply take him and the contract. That would clear the money and the roster spot.

That seems to be the most plausible suggestion, I've heard yet. It would explain a lot. If it is indeed a fait accompli, Boras would have no reason to be pulling his usual tricks, in order to create more interest. They may all have a hand shake agreement, and will announce the deal, once Kimbrel is dealt. One might ask; "Yes, but what if they don't find a taker?" Perhaps there is some time limit, and Hahn is merely waiting to see which team has the best offer. It's likely that he could certainly, at least, find some team to simply take him and the contract. That would clear the money and the roster spot.

Bellinger won't be a free agent until 2024.

I can't see any reason for the Dodgers to trade Lux. He is their future second baseman, and is one place that they can avoid a big salary hit to an already mammoth payroll.

The Dodgers are still considered to have one of the better farm systems. I think that it's ranked #12. They aren't hurting for prospects and always seem to some how replenish their system. Moreover, there aren't a lot of spots on their roster for youngsters, the way they sign free agents. Their bullpen looks to be one of their few weak spots, with the loss of Kelly and the prospect of losing Jansen, who is said to be seeking a lucrative 3 year deal, Kimbrel could be viewed as a valuable piece. However, who knows how they view him. Just look at the disparate opinions here, regarding Kimbrel's value.

Yes, but it would only be for one year. It's the long term big contracts that are justifiably considered imprudent. The Sox front office routinely squanders that kind of money. A one time hit of $15 million is "chump change" for the owners. How the Dodgers view Bellinger is probably the biggest question. What do they expect from him? He was a world beater, and then his production collapsed, last year. If they think that he is going to provide the kind of production, he gave them in 2019, Kimbrel, plus a boat load of money, wouldn't be enough. He was an MVP and played out of his mind, that year. He's still so young that it would be hard to give up on him. On the other hand, he will be a free agent in just two years and the decision to award him a huge free agent contract, could be a difficult one. L. A. could move Muncy to DH, where he is better suited, than he is at second base. That would make room for Lux at the keystone position. Their outfield would be fine with Pollock, Taylor and Betts. It would probably still be the best lineup in the National League, while improving the bullpen, providing that they view Kimbrel as still a viable closer.

Good point. Perhaps the front office could accept a one year, small luxury tax, if they agreed to send back some money for Kimbrel's contract. The Dodgers probably wouldn't care that much about prospects, as they still have one of the better farm systems. Moreover, there isn't much in the Sox system that they would covet. A swap of Kimbrel and money, for Bellinger could certainly solve a few problems ie; move Kimbrel, fill the hole in RF for two years, and balance the lineup with some LH power. Nevertheless, the Sox would still need another starter.

Now that the Dodgers have added Freeman's LH bat, and a lot more payroll, could they be interested in moving Bellinger and his $17 Million salary, before he becomes a free agent, in 2024? It might not take that much to get him, considering his recent struggles and the upside is enormous, albeit a big gamble. L.A. could move Taylor to center and put Pollock back in the outfield, instead of using him as a DH, which is suggested to be their current plan. They could probably use Kimbrel, and the money would be pretty much a wash.

Tyler Naquin is going to be a free agent next year and is scheduled to make $1.45 Million this season. I posted the suggestion, earlier. I have no idea what the Reds would ask, in return. However, it probably wouldn't be that much, given it's only a 1 year rental.

My suggestion of trading for a right fielder, on a cheap contract, in his last year before free agency, is looking more appealing, by the minute. These contracts are just nuts. Save the money, maintain longer term flexibility and see what we have in Colas. Some of these contracts might be shopped, in the not too distant future.

I'd be open to that, wouldn't you?

I still covet a LH power bat, however I don't think Conforto, at the price and length of contract that has been discussed here, is the one that Hahn should pursue? He will cost a draft pick, will probably be ineligible to play, when the Sox travel to N.Y. and Toronto, and is said to be seeking a 4, or 5 year deal at $20 million per year. I prefer a shorter term commitment, with the hope that Colas, or someone else can provide better value. If Conforto would sign a shorter contract, I'd be quite satisfied with him in RF. If he is the best value available, I'd certainly rather the Sox acquire him, than no one. I just don't think that he is the guy to whom Hahn should be committing $100 Million. Tyler Naquin for his final year before free agency, at $1.45 Million seems like a better value. Most seem to agree that he wouldn't cost much in draft capital. That would provide the front office with an opportunity to see if Colas shows enough promise to be a viable long term candidate for RF.

As much as I want that LH power bat, I don't think that giving Conforto a 4 or 5 year contract is a good idea, especially at around $20 million per year. I'd prefer a shorter term solution. I'm still intrigued by the thought of trading for Tyler Naquin, for the final year before he becomes a free agent. He hits RH pitching, and plays a pretty decent RF. The cost in prospects should be minimal and it leaves more money for additional starting pitching.

Just to clarify: While I have been one of those clamouring for a right fielder, it is not because I believe that the roster lacks a player capable of playing RF. The issue is, as many of us have often expressed; the lineup needs better balance and RF is the only position currently open to insert a LH power bat. I would be very happy to have Engel play RF, even if he didn't provide a lot of offense. The problem is that he's another right handed hitter. The only way that this roster has a chance to achieve better balance, would be if Sheets can find a position to play and continue to hit RH pitching, like he did last season. That's taking a pretty big gamble, for a team with World Series aspirations. If they can sign, or trade for, a solid LH power bat, on a short term contract, that would be ideal. They seem very high on Colas and if he could be ready in a couple of years, that would solve the problem. In the meantime, it just doesn't seem plausible for this roster to have much post season success, versus tough RH pitchers. It would also help if Moncada could get back to being the guy he was in 2019. Without his power, this current lineup has one serious LH run producer, in Grandal. That is simply not a good formula for success. It seems hard to believe that TLR and Hahn do not understand this obvious need and therefore I expect something to get done.

What's wrong with giving Conforto an opt out? Unless you consider him to be the long term answer for RF, an opt out should be acceptable. Why not give him 4 years, with an opt out, after 2 years? Colas takes over in 2024.

5 of Cincy's top 8 prospects are pitchers, therefore they might be willing to deal one, with just 2 years of control.

However, since we are talking about one of Cincy's starting pitchers, plus Naquin, what do you think it would take?

That was my thought, but what would it take for 1 year of Naquin and 2 years of Mahle? ,,,, Vaughn?

In addition to their pitchers, what about Tyler Naquin for RF? He will be a free agent, at the end of the year, so he shouldn't cost much in prospect capital. LH bat and decent right fielder.

Was Velasquez hurt in August? He not only missed August and the first half of September, but was terrible when he returned to the mound. His numbers were almost respectable, until then.

Did anyone notice that, last year with San Diego, he gave up 6 homers, in 12 and 2/3 innings? Ouch!!!

I hope so. However, in any case, won't he be taking up a 40 man roster spot?

WHIP last year was 1.50 and his career WHIP is 1.39 Why are they giving up a roster spot for such a below average pitcher? If he sees any significant innings at the Major League level, that would not bode well for the Sox.