2018-19 Offseason Thread

nvalvo

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
21,484
Rogers Park
An interesting thing about Tulo is that the extension he signed in 2010 stipulates that he “may be traded only once during contract” (if I’m reading that correctly), which of course already happened.

I figured that the Jays cut him because he was cooked (which may still be the case). But if that contract detail is true, then the Jays had no choice but to drop him even if he was healthy and productive, as they wouldn’t be able to trade him anyway, and the roster spot is more valuable to them in their rebuild.
If that were true, would he be tradeable by his next team? i.e. is a team that signs him signing him to a "new" contract, or assuming the old one?
 

Hank Scorpio

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 1, 2013
6,917
Salem, NH
If that were true, would he be tradeable by his next team? i.e. is a team that signs him signing him to a "new" contract, or assuming the old one?
Whatever is left of the old contract is eaten by the Jays, minus whatever his new team pays him... which will be the minimum.

It’d be an entirely new contract. Any trade clauses in the previous contract would not matter.
 

chawson

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
4,660
Replacing Bogaerts with Tulo is risky of course, but pairing Tulo with Ahmed or Iglesias is interesting to consider, as it offers some 2B insurance as well.

The Sox would have to have a trade lined up for Bogaerts. I don’t think that’s an awful idea, but I’m not sure who’d be interested in one year of him (Brewers, Mets, Padres?). He’s not a priority over Betts, and if the Sox are gonna bid on Sale/Cole next year, extending Xander seems especially difficult.

It’s a long way away, but the shortstop class in the 2021-22 offseason includes Lindor, Seager, and Correa — all 27-28 years old. I might prefer a cheap Tulo/Iglesias bridge to a 7-year Lindor contract than sign Bogaerts to the same deal next season.
 
Last edited:

chawson

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
4,660
For a good part of last season the bottom of the batting order was a huge concern. Tulo seems to have his best offensive days way behind him and will likely complicate that issue.
Surely his best days are behind him, but even if he’s a .750 OPS shortstop with league average defense, that’s worth a shot at league minimum.

The fact the Sox are a playoff team with an extremely favorable park for his hitting profile probably helps. He’s not looking for money.
 

geoduck no quahog

not particularly consistent
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Nov 8, 2002
13,024
Seattle, WA
I can't imagine they're interested in anything but a ML Minimum backup position. Big leap to think they'd replace Bogaerts with this guy.

Anyone have a problem with him being the backup shortstop instead of Holt or Lin? (Holt still backs up 2B)

I kind of see him as an possible alternative to Nunez at a lower cost.

Thing is, some team that actually needs Tulowitzki will probably land him.
 
Last edited:

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
I can't imagine they're interested in anything but a ML Minimum backup position. Big leap to think they'd replace Bogaerts with this guy.

Anyone have a problem with him being the backup shortstop instead of Holt or Lin? (Holt still backs up 2B)

I kind of see him as an possible alternative to Nunez at a lower cost.

Thing is, some team that actually needs Tulowitsky will probably land him.
I have a problem with him being the backup SS, mainly because that's the only position he plays. Multi-positional flexibility is kind of a must for bench players these days, but certainly so for a team like the Red Sox that has two 1B, 3 catchers and has recently gone significant stretches of the season carrying 13 pitchers on the roster.

I can only envision two situations where the Red Sox sign Tulowitzki: 1) on a minor league deal where he plays everyday in Pawtucket (call it the Brandon Phillips option) or 2) signed to be the starting SS because they've dealt Bogaerts. The first I can't see Tulo doing unless there's zero interest in his services across the league. The latter is pretty damn unlikely and, unless Bogaerts brings back a gem of a prospect or a top line guy for the rotation, arguably makes the team worse in the short term.
 

geoduck no quahog

not particularly consistent
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Nov 8, 2002
13,024
Seattle, WA
Agree with you, RHF...except I'd think most professional shortstops could learn the turn at 2B fairly quickly...while 3B would be easier.

Still - it's very far fetched.

{edit: looking at his stats - it seems he never played any position other than SS through college and the minors. I take it back}
 
Last edited:

chrisfont9

Member
SoSH Member
If he can play 3B then there is some potential value as a RHH option pairing with Devers, but that’s a pretty limited job for a roster spot, compared to Nunez and his positional flexibility. Nothing in this offseason of bringing back the 2018 guys suggests they would even consider moving Bogaerts for Tulo. Sure it’s save 10-15mil but if they only cared about money they wouldn’t have signed Eovaldi.
 

Plympton91

bubble burster
SoSH Member
Oct 19, 2008
12,408
Don’t know where I heard it, might’ve been the MLB radio morning show, but one of the reasons the Blue Jays cut Tulo was because he refused to play anything other than shortstop.

There’s no room on this roster for him. It’s unlikely he’s even going to be active by May 1st, let alone better than Nunez. Grady Sizemore redux.
 

Pozo the Clown

New Member
Sep 13, 2006
745
Mark Feinsand‏Verified account @Feinsand 11m11 minutes ago
According to a source, it appears that the Red Sox are waiting to see what happens with Craig Kimbrel before making any moves in the relief market.

Andrew Miller is close to a deal with St Louis, so that's another domino to fall.
From a Jim Bowden (so take it for what it's worth) piece in The Athletic:

Craig Kimbrel, RHR
Age: 30
2018 WAR: 1.5 ERA: 2.74 FIP: 3.10 SV: 42/47
K/9: 13.86 W/9: 2.28 BABIP: 216 GB: 28.2% WHIP: 0.99 Spin rate: 2,578(curve); 2,356 (four-seam)

Kimbrel’s agents told clubs that his client was looking for a six-year deal in the $100 million range, which was a perfect excuse for teams to not even bother to check in on his status at that price point. However, the price will likely come down by mid-January and Kimbrel can start comparing the three-, four- and possibly five-year offers he’ll get from teams in the $15-$18m average annual range. My best guess would be that he returns to Boston in an early February deal. However, that could change if the Braves fail to get a corner outfielder or No. 1 starter, or if the Phillies lose out on both Harper and Machado. I also like the fit with the Cardinals, but they seem to be more focused on left-handed back-end relievers.

Best Realistic Fits: 1. Red Sox 2. Braves 3. Phillies 4. Cardinals
 

SouthernBoSox

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 23, 2005
12,084
Heath is such an enigma to me. In 2016 he held right handers to a wOBA of .258 while lefties killed him at wOBA .381. In 2017 he was pretty bad against both and then last year he got killed by righties with a wOBA of .358 but was death on lefties at wOBA .250.

I just don't get it. If you could merge 2016 vs R w/ 208 v L you'd have one of the best relievers in baseball.
 

Tyrone Biggums

nfl meets tri-annually at a secret country mansion
SoSH Member
Aug 15, 2006
6,424
Actually a bit higher, lol Heyman. 1 5/16 mil.

Ugh I was hoping they'd find a way to move on from his Trumpet behind this offseason. Not that all of these people need to align with my political beliefs but ugh just a tough person to root for. Anyways hope he improves his numbers from last year.
 

Pozo the Clown

New Member
Sep 13, 2006
745
Ugh I was hoping they'd find a way to move on from his Trumpet behind this offseason. Not that all of these people need to align with my political beliefs but ugh just a tough person to root for. Anyways hope he improves his numbers from last year.
I was curious as to the source of your "Heath Hate." Now, I understand that it goes beyond his on-field performance.
 

DeadlySplitter

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 20, 2015
33,252
Kelly’s contract has an extra option year and is very backloaded. Doubt we were ever going to go 4 years.

MLBTR has confirmed that the contract breaks down as follows: $1MM signing bonus, $3MM salary in 2019, $8.5MM salary in 2020, $8.5MM salary in 2021 and a $4MM buyout on a $12MM option for the 2022 season. In total, the contract guarantees Kelly $25MM
 

richgedman'sghost

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
May 13, 2006
1,870
ct
@Tyrone Biggums where did you find that Heath Hembree is a Trump lover? Not doubting you, just curious..it would seem hazerdous for his long term prospects of staying on the roster if he expressed too many political opinions. The Red Sox could get a better reliever at lower cost who is less political in the clubhouse.
 

Max Power

thai good. you like shirt?
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2005
7,878
Boston, MA
From a Jim Bowden (so take it for what it's worth) piece in The Athletic:

Craig Kimbrel, RHR
Age: 30
2018 WAR: 1.5 ERA: 2.74 FIP: 3.10 SV: 42/47
K/9: 13.86 W/9: 2.28 BABIP: 216 GB: 28.2% WHIP: 0.99 Spin rate: 2,578(curve); 2,356 (four-seam)

Kimbrel’s agents told clubs that his client was looking for a six-year deal in the $100 million range, which was a perfect excuse for teams to not even bother to check in on his status at that price point. However, the price will likely come down by mid-January and Kimbrel can start comparing the three-, four- and possibly five-year offers he’ll get from teams in the $15-$18m average annual range. My best guess would be that he returns to Boston in an early February deal. However, that could change if the Braves fail to get a corner outfielder or No. 1 starter, or if the Phillies lose out on both Harper and Machado. I also like the fit with the Cardinals, but they seem to be more focused on left-handed back-end relievers.

Best Realistic Fits: 1. Red Sox 2. Braves 3. Phillies 4. Cardinals
Even if Kimbrel's price comes way down, does the team really have $15 million to spend on one reliever right now? I thought the $7 million or so they were offering Joe Kelly was all that was left in the budget unless they're blowing by the top CBT threshold again.
 

Papelbon's Poutine

Homeland Security
SoSH Member
Dec 4, 2005
19,615
Portsmouth, NH
@Tyrone Biggums where did you find that Heath Hembree is a Trump lover? Not doubting you, just curious..it would seem hazerdous for his long term prospects of staying on the roster if he expressed too many political opinions. The Red Sox could get a better reliever at lower cost who is less political in the clubhouse.
Honest question: do we know the clubhouse is particularly left leaning? At least that this would cause a problem?
 

Savin Hillbilly

loves the secret sauce
SoSH Member
Jul 10, 2007
18,783
The wrong side of the bridge....
@Tyrone Biggums where did you find that Heath Hembree is a Trump lover?
Google "heath hembree donald trump" and take your pick. Apparently shortly after the WS win somebody caught up with him leaving a nightclub, probably blotto, and got him to spout a few incoherently enthusiastic vulgarities about Der Cheeto in the context of the WH invitation.

Politics aside, Hembree's not a pitcher to get excited about either way. He's the quintessence of mild-to-moderate mediocrity, fit only for table-scraps innings. But he doesn't suck as much as the pitchers most teams have to use for that role. Hopefully he's just a placeholder for one of the kids.
 

BornToRun

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 4, 2011
17,321
Heath Hembree is a serviceable middle tier bullpen arm who’s done a fine job in that role since 2016. I’m fine keeping him around for a little over 1 million dollars. As for his politics, I’m not a fan of those either but I’m sure he isn’t the only one in the clubhouse who leans right.
 

strek1

Run, Forrest, run!
SoSH Member
Jun 13, 2006
31,749
Hartford area

TomBrunansky23

Member
SoSH Member
May 4, 2006
772
Crapchester, NY
Kelly’s contract has an extra option year and is very backloaded. Doubt we were ever going to go 4 years.
That's an unbelievable deal for Buchannan, good for him. My questions are these - when all is said and done, how much different does Kimbrel's contract look from the one Kelly just signed, and if it's with the Red Sox, would we be happy with that?

Honestly I just can't fathom who would be out there willing to pay Kimbrel Chapman-esque money over significant years.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,465
Gallows Hill
I don't know, but isn't the MLB as a whole pretty right? It's a rich, white kid sport. I'd guess the NHL is even worse.
I would assume NHL locker rooms would be more left leaning considering that most teams are heavily Canadian, European, or from mostly blue states in the northeast. Bottom line is it’s probably like any other work place where there are differing political opinions, and as long as the guy is getting outs it really doesn’t matter to his teammates who he voted for.
 

MikeM

Member
SoSH Member
May 27, 2010
3,049
Florida
Even if Kimbrel's price comes way down, does the team really have $15 million to spend on one reliever right now? I thought the $7 million or so they were offering Joe Kelly was all that was left in the budget unless they're blowing by the top CBT threshold again.
If there was/is a legitimate interest in bringing Kimbrel back and the fallen market opportunity presented itself? I see the money being there.

It's a GFIN year, and similar to last winter being a couple million under going in to the year isn't realistically much of a firm or safe stay under plan to begin with.
 

chrisfont9

Member
SoSH Member
I don't know, but isn't the MLB as a whole pretty right? It's a rich, white kid sport. I'd guess the NHL is even worse.
Given the rich white kids, good ol boys, Latinos of every stripe, Asians, African-Americans... I suspect that no particular brand of politics can gain much traction in an MLB clubhouse. I do recall Gammo once writing that Bruce Hurst was the only one on the Padres voting for I think Clinton, or Dukakis. Hurst was motivated to improve the social safety net. Everyone else, including Tony Gwynn of a very poor, rough background, had voted for Bush because of potential cuts to top-end tax brackets. Given what we now argue about, that almost seems quaint.
 

chrisfont9

Member
SoSH Member
If there was/is a legitimate interest in bringing Kimbrel back and the fallen market opportunity presented itself? I see the money being there.

It's a GFIN year, and similar to last winter being a couple million under going in to the year isn't realistically much of a firm or safe stay under plan to begin with.
Are we sure they want him as their closer? If they think Barnes is ready, then bringing Kimbrel back means Barnes has to wait for the job -- not sure Kimbrel would accept setup duties. I'm not entirely sure the team would prefer that.
 

Red(s)HawksFan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 23, 2009
20,676
Maine
Are we sure they want him as their closer? If they think Barnes is ready, then bringing Kimbrel back means Barnes has to wait for the job -- not sure Kimbrel would accept setup duties. I'm not entirely sure the team would prefer that.
At the right price, I think the Sox would be perfectly happy to bring Kimbrel back to close. The notion of giving Barnes his chance isn't going to stop them.

Besides, I think that absent bringing back Kimbrel, they may be inclined to eschew the "traditional" closer role for more of a committee. Barnes likely would be central to that strategy, but he wouldn't be locked into pitching the 9th. Much as, in the playoffs, he wasn't locked into pitching the 8th. He was brought into a tight spot or for a particular part of the opponent's order whether it came up in the 6th or the 8th.