beck72

Definitely a new starter. Yet for the sox to get into the playoffs and go farther they need bullpen help and a CF who can bat LH and at the top of the order [1 or 2]

Jeff Bajenaru. His 95 ph fastball, solid control and big strikeout numbers should fit in setup for the Sox. With Politte struggling as well, a minor leaguer should come up and replace Burke after interleague is done. While a trade is more than likley in the future [a guy like Jason Grimsley would be decent], the Sox need to try getting some outs from their minor league arms until then. If Arnaldo Munoz does well in his call up, he is likely to stick around even if the Sox acquire a SP. As then Munoz can pitch out of the bullpen--long relief, short set up, 2 innings a pop. It would relieve some of the pressure on Marte. Yet the biggest need now is in RHP set up. Politte is scaring me. Lets give manhands a try. He seems like the only one who has the potential to dominate in the bullpen, at least of guys close to the show.

The Expos have a decent core of SP. They don't have any offense or bullpen guys. Livian takes up a huge chunk of their team salary. with the finances the way they are, anyone on Mon. making more than the minimum is fair game in a possible trade. Looking at how the Expos are using Livian, like last night, they seem like they're trying to get the most pitches out of him. He threw into the 8th inning, a total of 113 pitches, even though he had given up 3 runs the previous 2 innings after giving none in the first 6. His line would have looked like this--7 IP, 3 r, 8 SO, 2 BB. Instead they let him pitch in the 8th and he gave up 2 more runs. This after he threw 120, 130 pitches the game before. This looks like a guy on his way out rather than a guy being saved as a cornerstone for the future.

Agreed. Not only an RBI guy, but a high OBP guy who can hit junk RHP, and bat near the top of the lineup. Everett wouldn't have a spot on the Sox. CF is the only spot the Sox have. So Finley and Beltran make sense, even if they have to overpay. Counting on Harris and Uribe to carry the Sox into the playoffs is a bit much to ask them this year. The Sox need a veteran who can produce in the #2 spot.

The only question I had about the Sox acquiring Livian was his 3 year contract at $24 mill. Though in looking at his numbers throughout his career, he's got what the Sox need--High K/ IP, good GB/ FB ratio, decent control, lots of innings, lots of quality starts, and post season experience. It'll be interesting to see how he throws vs. the Twins tonight. A stellar outing and we might be seeing our next SP. With Garcia the main target of most teams, [with teams most likely going to get held up due to all the injurie to SP's] Livian certainly wouldn't be a bad door prize. He wouldn't cost the Sox Reed or Borchard either. [Rowand, maybe they'd like Timo, some pitching] The Sox would then be in good position to acquire another LH bat with their prospects. Go Livian.

Everett wouldn't see the OF unless it was RF or LF. He'd probably only take the place of Ross Gload.

That's a good point. A young pitcher making less money along with Carl would make sense for Mon. I know Armas is decent, but I don't know who else would be a good fit for the Sox [Day? Vargas?] Don't think there are top of the rotation guys besides Armas.

Who's to say keeping Reed won't give the Sox 5 more AL titles? No one can guarantee getting Garcia will make the sox AL champs. No other team will trade a guy of Reed's talent for either Beltran or Garcia. Only for a guy who's signed for a few years. I know what you're asking would you trade Rick Sutcliffe for Joe Carter? Even if Garcia gave what Sutcliffe gave in 1984, I wouldn't do it. Keepign a guy like Reed, who many compare to Palmiero, could give the Sox many more titles. Reed has done what few others have done as a pro. A .350 + BA? An OBP of .400+, a SLG of .480+, going through every level? He's as close to a lock for a great 10 year major league career as any minor leaguer out there. Too much for a 1/2 year rental.

With the sox brass [and Hawk] not touting Reed, and hyping Borchard to the hilt, it sounds like a sales job to me. Reed is younger, with a better batting eye, proven minor league success, whose game translates well in the majors for the next 10 years or so. The only way Reed is traded away is if the sox can sign a SP for a few years. Not for a 1/2 year of Garcia. Borchard? I can see for Garcia. But Reed has a much higher upside than Joe B based on their pro careers. [higher avg, better SLG %, higher OBP]

I didn't take the "dumb" comment personally. No problem. I too see the need for pitching help. Even Cub fans could sense the Sox need a starter like Garcia and another bullpen arm. But getting Beltran and addressing the other areas are not mutually exclusive. The Sox could trade guys in the lower levels for help, not just AA or AAA, to other teams who may not be out of it now. I've just made a case for acquiring beltran with what KC supposedly is asking for [3 of 5 spots--OF, pitching, 2B, 3B and C] 3B and C will be harder to fill by any team. but the Sox have OF and pitching guys they may want.

Getting Beltran and pitching help are not mutually exclusive. With an offer of Borchard + Rauch supposedly the top offer for Garcia, these other names could get Beltran. The other teams in the running for Beltran don't or won't give up their top talent for him. 3B and C are not positions teams give up for 1 year rentals. Any ball player under the league wide rumors Beltran has been under the past two months would feel some pressure. Every town he goes to ask the same questions--how would you like to play for us? His talent and intangibles would fit in nicely on the Sox. It's a question whether or not Baird gets the right offer. My guess is the Sox could give him a decent offer, up there with anyone.

KW doesn't have to deal with Boras. Just with KC GM Baird. Dumb conversation? Don't respond to the "Official I want Carlos Beltran thread" then. Start a " I don't want Beltran" thread. No offense intended. The Sox offense needs improvement. Esp vs RHP. The present hot streak masks over this critical area. The key is making only one move for a postition player that could change the whole dynamics of their offense [so team chemistry isn't affected]. Only Carlos Beltran can do that. As a #2 hitter, as a switch hitter, w/ his defense; makes the bench stronger [puts Uribe back in the utility role at 2B, 3B, SS] Yes, I would trade some of the prospects/ players I mentioned earlier. The two key reasons: 1] the Sox are in a position to go far in the playoffs. 2] And the Sox have young players who can replace them.

If SD is the "lead" team to get Beltran, and Xavier Nady is listed as a "top prospect", Rowand is better than him. With the added incentive to get payback vs. the Sox when KC plays them, I'd want Rowand more than Nady if I were KC. Cotts certainly has more potential than Diaz or Rauch. Are they both "top prospects"? I don't think so. But both are solid players and guys who should be on major league rosters for the next 5-8 years. Add in another prospect from AA or AAA and the makings of a deal are there. Such a value is better than hoping two draft picks may pan out. I don't think any team will trade a certifiable, can't miss top prospect for Beltran this year. No team is in that dire shape among those able and willing to get him. And some teams like NYY and Bos just don't have the prospects. Of all the teams mentioned, none seem willing to take that big step and give away their top guys, esp at 3B and C, the two most glaring holes for KC.

Being a Boras client has nothing to do with acquiring a guy through a mid season trade. The client goes where he's told as long as he doesn't have a no-trade clause. Beltran doesn't have one. Any team getting him knows that its most likely for a one year rental. What we're talking about is do the sox have the players KC might want to get Beltran? The answer is probably yes.

More than likely, the Sox could only make one move for a position player. That spot is CF. Of the names mentioned, only Beltran [along with SP, and a reliever] makes the Sox a potential WS contender. Any move to add one piece should help the Sox be capable of winning the WS. Finley is decent yet not the guy to help carry a team like Beltran could. Adding a guy like Beltran also improves the bench [by moving Harris back to 2B, and Uribe as super-utility guy. No way would I trade Crede for Randa. Crede can post Randa like numbers for the next 10 years. The key to any deal is who do the Sox have as replacements for the guys they trade. Cotts'----Arnaldo Munoz, Heath Phillips, Tyler Rumsfeld, Gio Gonzalez. Borchard and Rowand-----Reed, Anderson, Sweeney, Thomas Brice

KC doesn't risk anything trading with the Sox. It's the other way around. KC knows there is no way the sox can keep both Maggs and Beltran in 2005. More likely the Sox resign Maggs. On the other hand, if KC wants some Sox prospects, those players will probably turn into "sox killers" [ie getting big hits, pitching well against their former team]. Who would KC want? Rumors are SD [the top team mentioned to get Beltran] would trade OF Xavier Nady as part of a package for Beltran. Rowand is better than him-hits for more power, better d, and more versatile. If I were KC I'd want Rowand from the Sox. Tell me Aaron wouldn't try to exact revenge on the Sox those 19 games KC played them. [i'd prefer Timo Perez be part of deal for Beltran. But I think Aaron would need a change of scenary after a 3rd year in row of the Sox getting a CF to replace him.] SP-Neal Cotts. I don't think Cotts is ready for the rotation on the Sox. KC might. They have Affeldt who looks like a bust. Cotts at least has shown he can throw well in the pen [though w/ his 5+ era he needs to get more outs] Another Prospect from either AAA or AA: 2B Ruddy Yan, RP Jeff Bajenaru, RP Josh Fields, RP Matt Smith

SD won't give up Burroughs. [per SD paper] NYM won't give up Wright, or Kazmir [per Ny paper] Check out MLB News on prosportsdaily.com While KC may want a top 3rd base or C prospect, they probably won't find one for a one year rental. The Sox have the other guys KC needs [sP, bullpen, OF, 2B]

Juan Uribe is the Tony G guy coming off the bench. With a Beltran acquisition, that puts Harris back at his normal position and Uribe in the utility role [the sox can't win in the playoffs with Harris in CF. He's a short term solution there. His arm and reads are way below avg]. If Crede can't find his groove, Uribe can see a lot more time at 3rd. The biggest reason to get Beltran- he improves the Sox offense tremendously vs RHP [don't forget how mediocre RHP have handled the Sox bats this year. Wright last night? Imagine in the playoffs]. Batting #2, he'll get on base in front of Maggs, Frank and Carlos. The price for Beltran won't be that high. I'd say Cotts, Rowand or Timo Perez, and a guy from AA [Ruddy Yan, Bajenaru]. With all the LHP in the Sox system, Cotts is expendable. Munoz has more upside than Cotts at this point, esp w/ his control and clear out pitch. The 5th starter and reliever could also be had. Rauch, Borchard, SS Mike Morse, OF Mike Spidale, Felix Diaz, all have value and are behind young guys on the Sox.

Jeremy Reed is the one who has put up "superstar" numbers in his minor league career though. Joe has never had a minor league season that would lend credence to him being a superstar in the majors. Reed has. Coming into this year [with both hovering around .270-.280] Reed had a .356 career minor league avg [in 674 AB's] , compared to Joe's .276 avg. [in 1494 AB's]; a .430 OBP, and a .509 SLG. Joe had a .469 SLG %. While Joe has homered more often [1 every 24.10 AB's to Reed's 1 every 44.93 AB's] he's also K'd more often [once every 3.55 AB to Reed's one every 11.23 AB's] and walked less [every 9.22 AB to Reed's 8.32]. The Sox need more of the numbers that Reed can give them, rather than those that come with a power guy like Borchard, esp. when you consider what the young Sox guys also add to the team-Crede, Olivo, Uribe, Harris. I'd be shocked if Reed was traded rather than Joe. I believe Kenny Williams is talking up Borchard only to increase his trade value.

I don't think the casual fan will stay at home after reading Cowley's article. If the Sox don't resign Maggs then they might. The Sox win this year, people will come out. Most people don't worry about next year. Just us diehards and those who work for the Sox and want to keep their jobs. The key is getting the Sox to win this year, with a plan for the future. My guess is we'll all see it soon as trades are made to improve the club for the playoffs. I'm not too worried about the OF situation. Brian Anderson should soon be in AA, and Ryan Sweeney isn't far behind as a 19 year old.

With the uncertainty about Maggs returning, it makes sense to play for this year, even at the expense of losing Borchard or Reed. I'd even say it makes more sense to try an acquire a guy like Beltran for this year as well. [As long as the price for him and SP help was either Borchard or Reed, not both] That way, they could have the inside track at signing him. A CF is harder to replace than a RF anyway. Worst case scenario, they lose both [and gain 4 first round picks as compensation] Best case, they sign one and strike a deal by playing one off the other. One thing overlooked is the impact playing for Ozzie will have on FA's to be in coming to the Sox. while the Sox won't give the most money, the working conditions and atmosphere created by Ozzie would be hard to match by other teams like the Yanks, Red Sox, etc. Yet thinking too much about what happens after this season will only detract from enjoying the Sox this season. We fans can speculate. Yet the guy who will lose sleep over this revelation is Kenny as he tries to build his team now and for the future. Maybe its time for him to see a psychic.

Cowley isn't the one to blame. He asked a question that Maggs didn't have to answer, or at least give a non-answer to.

Ozzie and the world knows that Koch will never be the Sox closer again. And that Shingo is the man. But he doesn't want to appoint anyone just yet. Soon as he says "shingo's the closer" without him having been put in any save situations, and then he stinks up the joint, would make Ozzie sound and look like a fool. Once Shingo becomes Mr Zero for the Sox in the 9th inning of games, then Ozzie will sing his praises. Ozzie wants all his bullpen guys to be able to close games. By speaking diplomatically, he leaves open the possibility more guys could close, even though Shingo seems like the best fit.

Getting Beltran would be shooting for the WS this year. Having Beltran hit 2nd would get the Sox playoff wins. Uribe could move around the infield, and Crede could still see a lot of playing time. The sox would just go with the hot hand. Having Uribe/ Crede coming off the bench over a Kelly Dransfeldt makes much more sense on a team trying to win a WS. The market just isn't there for Beltran. Most teams won't [sD, LA, NYM ]or can't [bOS, NYY] give up the players KC is asking for [3 of 5 spots--C, OF, pitching, 3B, 2B]. My guess is they'd want both SP and bullpen help. The Sox offer of players would certainly be near the top of what KC would get-- 1] Rowand, Diaz/Rauch, Bajenaru 2] Cotts, Rowand, Ruddy Yan 3] Borchard, Yan, Diaz/ Rauch 4] Cotts, Borchard

I completely agree. Reed shouldn't go anywhere. He's exactly what the Sox are missing--a high OBP guy, a LH bat, contact hitter. Borchard may make more ESPN highlight clips. But Reed should have the longer more productive career. Reed should only be part of a blockbuster deal where the player the Sox get would be around longer than 1/2 a season. What many people are not thinking about is the long term make up of the club. the sox young guys are not guys who walk much, and haven't even as minor leaguers--Olivo, Uribe, Crede, even Harris. While these guys may improve their OBP, they probably won't walk that much as they get older. Reed's talents offsets their weaknesses. Why give up a 22 year old guy with a Frank thomas-like batting eye, who holds a .325+ career minor league AVG, over a 25 year old with a career .277 avg, and a .460 SLG %? If we were talking about another teams' two prospects, no one would say keep the guy who's spent the last 3 years in AAA over a guy who has spent only 2 months there, yet have the same numbers, and is 3 years younger.