Also, Bruce mentioned that the Sox still will want to make the deal even if they can't re-sign A.J.  If we don't re-sign, we can always offer him arbitration and get two draft picks.  Not the worst thing, IMO.

 

That's the key. I don't want the sox to sign AJ to a long term deal [not unless he's lights out and pitches the sox to a WS win]. But getting 2 supplemental picks for him isn't bad. But a long term deal that hamstrings the sox could be even worse than losing Bmac and Marte

To add to Al's post:

 

SoxTalk favorite whipping boy Bruce Levine says this trade could go down within the next 24 hours, Sox have definitely not ruled out taking on Lowell, management is concerned about Frank being in and out of the lineup all year.  He is still saying Brandon McCarthy and Marte from this side.

 

I've heard/read just the opposite. That the Sox don't want Lowell, period.

Marte and BMac are too high a price to pay for Burnett, even if he does re-sign.

 

Contreras and Bajenaru is still better than Boston will offer.  Throw in Diaz or Munoz to get it done.

Disagree. Marte isnt what he was 2 or 3 years ago, and is the LEAST dependable arm out of the bullpen. Yeah thats right, I said it, I think he is the least valuable arm out of the bullpen. So you are trading an unproven prospect, and the last arm in your pen, for a Major League starter, who has many quality starts. I dont think we are getting ripped off there. PLus........If we add Vilone, our pen got better too.

Disagree.  Marte isnt what he was 2 or 3 years ago, and is the LEAST dependable arm out of the bullpen. Yeah thats right,  I said it, I think he is the least valuable arm out of the bullpen.  So you are trading an unproven prospect, and the last arm in your pen, for a Major League starter, who has many quality starts.  I dont think we are getting ripped off there.  PLus........If we add Vilone, our pen got better too.

 

I'd rather see Marte in a close game than Vizcaino. And I'm not a big fan of Marte.

I know you don't have the advantage of listening to Chicago sports radio, but ESPN's Bruce Levine, the "intelligible" baseball dunce...er...source, is reporting this deal is really picking up and quickly.  He thinks this has a very, very good chance of going down.

 

Personally, I think Kenny is trying to hammer out two things:

 

1) Can he make this happen without having to deal Marte

 

2) Does he have a puncher's chance of signing Burnett to a long-term deal--something I endorse with PK sent packing after 05' anywho

 

 

Marte can go for all I care.

I know you don't have the advantage of listening to Chicago sports radio, but ESPN's Bruce Levine, the "intelligible" baseball dunce...er...source, is reporting this deal is really picking up and quickly.  He thinks this has a very, very good chance of going down.

 

Personally, I think Kenny is trying to hammer out two things:

 

1) Can he make this happen without having to deal Marte

 

2) Does he have a puncher's chance of signing Burnett to a long-term deal--something I endorse with PK sent packing after 05' anywho

To be honest with number 1 I think it's more like if he can find a replacement for Damaso. I think Ozzie just isn't very impressed by Damaso, unfortunately we haven't seen the same guy from 02 and 03. I think Kenny will part with Marte but he wants to make sure he has a replacement lined up as well.

I'd rather see Marte in a close game than Vizcaino.  And I'm not a big fan of Marte.

Disagree again, Marte walks too many people, and has serious control lapses. Look no further than last year against the cubs when he walked the winning run in. If Gas-caino didnt have the huge blowup against the Indians when he was over extended, he would look better to you.

Disagree again, Marte walks too many people, and has serious control lapses.  Look no further than last year against the cubs when he walked the winning run in. 

 

You're citing a one-time occurrence from 12 months ago as evidence of a general problem. Does Polittle have serious control lapses? He walked in the winning run against Detroit last year.

 

If Gas-caino didnt have the huge blowup against the Indians when he was over extended, he would look better to you.

 

I believe by this point that Viz's stats have had enough time to be corrected for since the second game of the season.

 

Marte is better than Viz and you're kidding yourself if you think otherwise.

Disagree again, Marte walks too many people, and has serious control lapses.  Look no further than last year against the cubs when he walked the winning run in.  If Gas-caino didnt have the huge blowup against the Indians when he was over extended, he would look better to you.

 

I throw that Indians game out. It wasn't fair to Vizcaino. Having said that, I'd still rather see Marte in the clutch.