beck72

The sox went about getting OBP and contact guys the right way [through the Quentin, Swisher and Cabrera trades] that compliment the core they already had in place--PK, Thome, AJ, Dye, Crede. The sox are taking more walks and scoring more runs, even with the lowest batting avg in the league. In recent years, the sox weren't getting OBP. The batting avg's will increase. Sure the sox need more .300 hitters--what team doesn't. But not many were out there in the offseason [though the sox got one in O-Cab, and he's not a consistent .300 hitter]. With the addition of Swisher, one of PK or Dye will take over DH for Thome in 2 years. The sox can develop and/ or trade for a few missing pieces around who they have now. The sox don't need and won't do a firesale to get "better". The payroll and the fans won't allow it. Why go through 3, 4 losing seasons on the chance they might be better in years. The lineup now is all hitting horribly. If they get around to being mediocre--which they should at minimum [and more like a middle of the league hitting club by mid -season], they'll be fine with the pitching the way it is. The question is will the pitching hold. I think yes, esp. the way the SP is going. The bullpen just has to be decent not overwhelming.

Fields is worth far more than Roberts-who I think the O's are asking for far too much anyway. Unless the sox can re-sign Crede AND get a very nice return for Josh in season--which isn't likely, they should wait until the offseason to talk Fields deals. Unless Swisher gets hurt, I don't see the big need for Roberts for leadoff, Esp at the high asking price of the O's. Now if the sox were in dire straits, and Swisher went down, then... But I could see Quentin filling in at leadoff for Swisher or Owens. So the sox seem set at leadoff, now that Ozzie has seen a high OBP guy w/ no speed succeed.

I come around for intelligent discussion of sox related happenings--mostly in season. Yet I do like the offseason trades, building up the team for the new year and "playing GM" on line. As someone who hasn't posted much recently, I can't speak to the tone. But I can see with too much non-baseball time on people's hands, there is more time to get on one another's nerves. Maybe now that people can talk about the regular season happenings, the climate will improve. Especially if the sox keep playing with consistency and effort. How the sox play, IMO has an effect on the site. When it became clear last year the sox were an embarassment, and were barely showing a pulse, it was hard to follow them. At the end, the sox players didn't care and neither did I. So far, this group and year has a different feel.

Owens and Anderson should be the last OF spots, with Owens getting the majority of playing time. Quentin needs to go to AAA and get 100%. Anderson has been playing all 3 OF spots and will likely be a defensive replacement/ spot starter vs LHP. I could see if Owens was in CF, late in games, move in Anderson to CF, move Owens into LF and slide Swisher to RF.

I think Uribe gets the nod as starting 2b. Richar needs to get some time in AAA to get healthy. Ramirez should also go to AAA to get regualr playing time-either in CF, 2b, SS or all three. I don't buy him staying with the sox on the bench. If Uribe isn't cutting it, let him go and bring up one of the two.

A few things: 1] the Reds would be lucky to get Uribe to replace their starting SS. Uribe should be able to net the sox are pretty good reliever who can start the year in AAA and maybe be ready to help by the end of the year. I think a guy like Carlos Guevara, 26 [62 ip, 87 k's, 2.32 ERA in AA] or Calvin Medlock, 26 [79 ip, 84 k's 28 bb's, 3.40 ERA in AA and AAA] 2] The sox are more than set at 2b with Ramirez, Ozuna and Richar. Roberts wouldn't be worth the hit to the farm system. Getz isn't that far away for helping next year.

The sox should trade MacDougal sooner rather than later, before teams really get a chance to look at him. I'd rather see Wasserman take over the 6th, 7th, Roogy than have Mac around to load the bases up. As stange as it may seem, I bet the sox could get a prospect for him.

From the sounds of it, Masset has worked hard in the offseason. That can only add to the sox pitching options for SP or the bullpen. Don't get me wrong, I like Wasserman and he showed he can get righties out [though his lack of success vs lefties is a big concern going forward]. Yet the Sox need a long man in the bullpen more than they need a specialist like Ehren. I'd like Masset to make the team one way or another. I wouldn't be heartbroken if Danks went to AAA and FLoyd and Masset were in the rotation, and a guy like Broadway was in the pen. That would make the sox nicely set in AAA for SP insurance with Danks the 1st callup and Egbert #2. However it pans out, the sox will take the best guys north-even with the guys being out of options.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Feb 6, 2008 -> 12:34 PM) I think Lowry would be a servicable starter in the AL but is Lowry that much better than Floyd or Danks? Im not so sure about that? If I were KW i would sweeten up the pot by throwing Danks in a Crede package to aqcuire Matt Cain.. if it costs more, which it likely would- you have the flexibility to throw Macdougal or perhaps even an Egbert... I just dont think Lowry would help our team significantly like Cain would... The key is getting another arm that could be as good or even better than Floyd or Danks-without giving up that much talent [i like Crede but he's only around for 1 year, and SF could likely re-sign him w/ Rowand plugging for him]. IMO, the drop off between Floyd and Danks to Egbert and Broadway is pretty steep. If one of those two young guys is a bust in May, putting someone else out there like Lowry would be a nice option to have.

Seems Boston is unable to trade Crisp now, with teams going younger. He'd likely come real cheap in terms of talent. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7764824...3162&ATT=49 While it makes no sense to put Crisp in CF now with Swisher being given a shot, I'm just not convinced Nick's set in CF. Kenny can talk all he wants about Nick being a "grinder", yet that won't make the OF defense of Quentin, Swisher and Dye even average. The only thing that would make sense is trading Paulie before he gets his 5 and 10 rights. And moving Nick to 1b. Crisp wouldn't even have to hit leadoff. Put Cabrera there, and Nick hit 2nd. I guess it would depend on what the sox could get for Paulie from the Angels. Yet if the sox were intent on trading PK to the angels, it would make more sense to get Figgins as part of the deal, and forget about Crisp. I just think if the sox were truly intent on improving their long term talent, without sacrificing their chances of winning this year or next, PK should be dealt for a reasonable package.

Adding Lowry at the cost of Crede, IMO would be a decent upgrade to the pitching staff-both the bullpen and starting staff. It would give the sox another legit starter to compete with Danks and Floyd. At worst Lowry may be a bullpen guy, if Floyd and Danks throw well in Spring. And the odd man out could throw from the pen--though Danks would be in AAA to get innings in. But I'm not convinced the sox are set at SP with Broadway and Egbert the top options in AAA in case either Floyd or Danks do poorly.

IMO, if the sox deal Crede to the Giants, they should get a SP in return. Lowry would seem the most likely candidate that SF would part with due to his contract, performance, etc. Lowry could compete with Danks and Floyd for the 4th and 5th spots. If the sox can get Lowry to lower his walk rate to pre-2007 levels [Lowry has faded after the all star breaks in his previous seasons--could be a sign he's a bullpen guy], he could outperform both Danks and Floyd. At worst, Lowry could perform dual roles as the long reliever and LOGGY in the pen if Danks and FLoyd outperform him. If Lowry does well, Floyd or Danks could also throw in the pen. Though if Danks does poorly, he'd likely go to AAA as he has options and could be great insurance for a SP. IMO, LOwry has greater upside and more likelihood of success then trying to get a has been vet. If the Sox add a Masset or MacDougal, they could get Rajai Davis as well. As both Davis and Masset are out of options [while the sox are at it, throw in a Sisco and both Masset and Sisco can compete for the 5th spot in SF] both would fill needs each team has. Davis could then give the sox the RH hitting compliment to Owens [as he's hit .299 avg. /.370 + OBP vs LHP from the leadoff spot in his Major league career], that would allow Ramirez time to develop in AAA, and a 4th, 5th OFer who can play solid d at multiple OF positions.

IMO, the sox need an OFer who can play all 3 spots well defensively. And hit LHP well. That guy likely would only be available via trade during spring training. Esp. as Ozuna isn't slated to play the OF this year.

QUOTE(SoxAce @ Jan 28, 2008 -> 09:56 PM) Looks like this Willy Mota kid might be the one we hope for makes it. Great arm, (95+ mph) nothin much on secondary pitches yet. Sorta reminds me of Poreda in that aspect. (differences of course too) Mota had over a 2.5 GB/FB ratio last year. If he can keep the ball in the park, that would bode well for his chances to make it in the Cell.

QUOTE(SEALgep @ Jan 26, 2008 -> 03:18 PM) Anyone see that Quentin is only 80-85% right now. Not worried, but that could come into play for the start of the season. Most people have him penciled in, but we may more realistically start with: Owens CF Cabrera SS Swisher LF Thome DH Konerko 1st Dye RF AJ C Fields 3rd Richar 2nd I could see an Owens/ Quentin platoon to start the year. Or even an Owens/ Ozuna tandem depending on how healthy Quentin is. The sox shouldn't rush Quentin or he may not be bale to help much later in the year.

QUOTE(SoxAce @ Jan 26, 2008 -> 06:10 AM) I like this one. Thought this was interesting too.. The move of Contreras to the 4th spot could help the bullpen, as they might be taxed if Danks and Floyd get hit hard early and can only go 4 innings. The inconsistency of Danks and Floyd should be taken into account. At least Contreras can give innings for the most part. I do think Contreras is very key this year. The sox need him to step and post a near 4.00 ERA

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Jan 24, 2008 -> 07:26 PM) Alright, so if Cain was really on the table, do you change the offer to Fields for Cain, and go with Joe at 3b?? IMO, if the sox could net either Lincecum or Cain in a deal with Fields as the centerpiece, you do it. Especially if you don't have to add a SP like Danks or Floyd in the deal. Worst case scenario would then be Danks outpeforming Floyd and Floyd being dealt in ST as he's out of options [Danks in AAA to start 2008 wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, as it then would provide the sox with a very solid option to call up]. You worry about who's playing 3b in 2009 in the offseason to get a stud SP [yet there has to be strong possiblity if Crede returning, with few teams willing to sign Crede to a long term pact w/ his back issues-and rather low avg and OBP numbers. Crede has a ton more value to the sox with his D and power]. Fields may never hit for a high AVG or post a high OBP, even with his HR's. With the addition of Quentin and Swisher, Fields is a bit more expendable.

It is widely assumed that Crede won't re-sign with the sox because of Boras. Yet what team will give Joe crazy money and a long term deal even if he has an above avg. year? What kind of contract will Joe likely get? IMO, Joe should get a 2, 3 year deal for around $7 mill per year. That would be reasonable to the sox. If the sox could trade Fields in a package to SF for some solid pitching like Cain, then they could roll the dice on who will play 3b for them in 2009. Crede probably holds the most value to the sox with his defense and power, and Boras or not will likely not get huge offers from elsewhere-more likely a short term deal to prove he's completely healthy. The sox are getting OBP from guys like Swisher and hopefully Quentin, can afford a drop in OBP from 3b.

IIRC, Linebrink has a no-trade clause. But Dotel could be moved in the sox have to rebuild.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Jan 19, 2008 -> 06:39 PM) I feel more comfortable with Wass and Broadway up instead of Masset. Masset is better suited to being a long reliever than Wass. I could see Broadway in the pen. Yet I'd like to see him in the AAA rotation though. I wonder if Masset may have been tanked by going to winter ball. He threw a lot of innings in 2006 and was new to the bullpen that year. He's got to keep his walks down. If he goes back to "career" norms, in terms of hits and walks allowed, Masset should be decent.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 19, 2008 -> 01:04 PM) I think as well, if we're out of contention, he's always a guy in demand at the deadline, so you would probably get something decent for him e.g look at what the Rangers got for Eric Gagne. Of course this is if we actually sign him. That is a good point. IMO, signing Dotel could go a long way toward providing the sox with the right amount of bullpen depth. Closer-Jenks 8th- RH-Linebrink Dotel LH-Thornton Logan 7th-MacDougal Long man-Masset AAA- Wasserman Oneli Perez Adam Russell Dewon Day [?] not sure of his status though Egbert/ Broadway/ Haeger The sox still need some AAA pitching depth. Maybe trading Crede could help there.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 16, 2008 -> 06:35 PM) I almost don't want to distract from the topic at hand...but here's a bit on E. Santana and how the Angels seem pretty happy with his performance this winter. It sounds more like a GM trying to build up his trade value. If Santana has confidence issues like Reagins talked about, having a question mark like him-no sure spot in the rotation or in the bullpen--on a team with World Series aspirations, is not a luxury they can have. Better to try and sell high [or not as low] his recent success to potential suitors. I'd be very surprised if Santana was an Angel come opening day.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-08...1,3633749.story From the sounds of it, Dotel would be fine being a set up man. He has to prove he's healthy and able to close out games. With the sox, he would be in a decent situation to do that. That has to factor into his decision on where to sign.

The sox may be no better with Dotel than they would sticking with a young guy. But erring on the side of a proven guy [when healthy] should be the way to go after the debacle of 2007. Of the guys out of options [aardsma, Masset, sisco], Dotel should be able to outperform them. The sox can always have other options in AAA.

I think people will be pleasantly surprised at how much KW will get for Joe. Esp. those who have been harping on Kenny to unload Joe for anything. Like SP, quality 3b men are hard to find.