JDM

[Kun Aguero]

To get back on topic. I wasn't very clear in my post about the pillow contract. I meant that in COMBINATION of the one year deal 1/30, and a four year deal next year say at 4/100, thats the 5/130 deal he has on the table now. IF, and only IF, the RS are his ONLY suitors this year, and ONLY if he repeats or has another 40+ hr year, and everyone agrees he would get a FOUR year deal next year, not 5 or 6, but COMBINED with the one year 30 mill deal, his risk to lose money is minimal, and the chance to gain is there, if it would be worth the risk. ONLY if he would likely not lose anything doing it that way. I hope I am clearer.

Sorry. I have a learning disability called "dysgraphia".
http://www.ldonline.org/article/12770
Makes it very hard to put my thoughts on paper. Very frustrating. I am not stupid, nor am I looking for or want sympathy. Just some understanding. I get some shitheads just cant help themselves and make the comments, either on my post or my LD, (I've heard them all. Short busser, helmet wearing window licker, etc.)

But let me ask this. If he is NOT worth the four year deal next year, which is what he would have left if we gave him a 5 year deal this year, or the chance he has a poor production/ injury year this year is THAT high, why in the fuck do we want to offer this guy a 5 year 9 figure contract????

 

[BigPapiMPD34]

To get back on topic. I wasn't very clear in my post about the pillow contract. I meant that in COMBINATION of the one year deal 1/30, and a four year deal next year say at 4/100, thats the 5/130 deal he has on the table now. IF, and only IF, the RS are his ONLY suitors this year, and ONLY if he repeats or has another 40+ hr year, and everyone agrees he would get a FOUR year deal next year, not 5 or 6, but COMBINED with the one year 30 mill deal, his risk to lose money is minimal, and the chance to gain is there, if it would be worth the risk. ONLY if he would likely not lose anything doing it that way. I hope I am clearer.

Sorry. I have a learning disability called "dysgraphia".
http://www.ldonline.org/article/12770
Makes it very hard to put my thoughts on paper. Very frustrating. I am not stupid, nor am I looking for or want sympathy. Just some understanding. I get some shitheads just cant help themselves and make the comments, either on my post or my LD, (I've heard them all. Short busser, helmet wearing window licker, etc.)

But let me ask this. If he is NOT worth the four year deal next year, which is what he would have left if we gave him a 5 year deal this year, or the chance he has a poor production/ injury year this year is THAT high, why in the fuck do we want to offer this guy a 5 year 9 figure contract????

I would say its not that the chance of poor production / injury is high. Its just that JDM likely does not want to risk losing $100M. If the Sox offered 5/$130M, but he turned it down and took 1/$30M, that would be a huge gamble for him as he is essentially gambling the $100M difference.

Let's say he has another 40+ homer year and gets 5/$140M next year in a better market (he'll be 1 year older too, so no way he gets 6 years), giving him $170M in total. It essentially comes down to whether or not he would want to take the $130M guaranteed, or roll the dice and see if he ends up with $30M, $170M, or somewhere in between.

The Red Sox position is completely different since they are a billion dollar business that can afford to take risks, so long as the odds appear to be in their favor.

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

But let me ask this. If he is NOT worth the four year deal next year, which is what he would have left if we gave him a 5 year deal this year, or the chance he has a poor production/ injury year this year is THAT high, why in the fuck do we want to offer this guy a 5 year 9 figure contract????

Boras can ask the same question backwards: If we think he'll be worth a four-year-deal next year, then why won't we give him a five-year deal this year?

 

[Kun Aguero]

I'm not saying we shouldn't give him a five year deal. I think we should. Just not at $30 million a year.I think an AAV of $26 mill would be a fair deal.

Some were saying his injury risk/poor year chances were high, and implied that he wouldnt be worth the money next year. I was just asking if they think that way, why would they want to give him a five year deal? That's all. I don't feel that way.

I think a five year deal will play out like this, two years, he will be WELL worth the contract, two years, he will earn his pay, nothing more, and one year where he will be overpaid. Depending on the AAV and barring injury of course.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

I'm not saying we shouldn't give him a five year deal. I think we should. Just not at $30 million a year.I think an AAV of $26 mill would be a fair deal.

Some were saying his injury risk/poor year chances were high, and implied that he wouldnt be worth the money next year. I was just asking if they think that way, why would they want to give him a five year deal? That's all. I don't feel that way.

I think a five year deal will play out like this, two years, he will be WELL worth the contract, two years, he will earn his pay, nothing more, and one year where he will be overpaid. Depending on the AAV and barring injury of course.

I don't think anyone is arguing that teams think he's not worth signing because of potential injury in 2018. I don't think any team would hesitate to sign him for one year because of health worries. The concern for the team, as with any long term deal, is injury/aging in the back end. If a player signs a one year deal, the risk of injury is taken entirely by him as it relates to his future income.

If you were ask any GM would you rather sign Player X for 1 year, then re-assess and re-sign him for another 4 after that, or just sign him to a 5-year deal for the same total money right now, and they'll take the 1+4 every time. Hell, I think any GM worth his salt is going to prefer a 1+1+1+1+1 approach (say a series of team options) rather than a full 5-year commitment if the total money is the same either way. Having the ability to walk way from the back-end with no further commitment if things go south is too attractive to pass up.

All the arguments in this thread are about Martinez being foolish to pass up a five-year deal in favor of a one-year "pillow" contract plus re-entry to the market next winter, because the risk is all his. If he gets hurt, he's screwed. If he suddenly loses the ability to hit 30+ HR, he's screwed. The value of that five-year offer would have to be insultingly low to tip the scales in favor of taking the risk of a one-year deal and trying to cash in again next winter. The five-year offer might not be what he wanted when the winter started, but if it's the best he is going to get, he's best served to take it.

 

[charlieoscar]

If you were ask any GM would you rather sign Player X for 1 year, then re-assess and re-sign him for another 4 after that, or just sign him to a 5-year deal for the same total money right now, and they'll take the 1+4 every time.

What happens if they sign him for one year and he has the best year of his career? Won't his asking price go up? Won't there be a lot more competition for him? I'm just saying there can be a down-side to this approach, especially when there is no replacement waiting down on the farm.

 

[sean1562]

Even if JD had a year that matched his year from last year, he would still be a defensively limited, aging power hitter. The best year for him to hit FA would have been last year. Teams are still not gonna give him a 6 year deal next offseason.

 

[moondog80]

Per Heyman, JDM willing to hold out into spring training.

https://www.fanragsports.com/heyman-red-sox-and-jd-martinez-remain-in-stalemate/

 

[OCD SS]

Good luck to him (& Boras) with that stance. I would be perfectly happy (not ecstatic, but happy) to go into the season with the team as constructed and look for a bounce back from the players we have. If they don't bounce back, adding JDM isn't the difference maker, and in that case I'd rather have the roster flexibility to make major moves.

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

Per Heyman, JDM willing to hold out into spring training.

https://www.fanragsports.com/heyman-red-sox-and-jd-martinez-remain-in-stalemate/

This situation feels like it will get ugly.

I’m thankfully not plugged into the Boston Sports Media industrial complex, so I don’t know what’s actually being said on the air or written in the papers. Still, this offseason shows unbelievable potential to develop into a lose-lose proposition of bad press and bad feelings. And I say unbelievable because in all the articles I’ve read recently, it’s like no one credits the returning core of players who just repeated as AL East champs.

 

[geoduck no quahog]

So...Boras is doing the "pray for injury" strategy?

 

[moondog80]

Good luck to him (& Boras) with that stance. I would be perfectly happy (not ecstatic, but happy) to go into the season with the team as constructed and look for a bounce back from the players we have. If they don't bounce back, adding JDM isn't the difference maker, and in that case I'd rather have the roster flexibility to make major moves.

This is how I feel. Between regression to the mean and the new hitting coach, I’m expecting to score more runs next year just by staying put. I only want JDM on our terms.

 

[Green Monster]

Per Heyman, JDM willing to hold out into spring training.

https://www.fanragsports.com/heyman-red-sox-and-jd-martinez-remain-in-stalemate/

Reading between the lines, it would appear that JDM is getting a little anxious about how long things are taking and this is an effort to kick-start the process. I really can't see him waiting until spring training to make a decision as he supposedly has multiple 5yr offers on the table. I agree with the sentiment that the Sox don't need to over react. If JDM is willing to come on board to the Sox terms then fine, if not lets roll and reevaluate mid-year.

 

[snowmanny]

This situation feels like it will get ugly.

I’m thankfully not plugged into the Boston Sports Media industrial complex, so I don’t know what’s actually being said on the air or written in the papers. Still, this offseason shows unbelievable potential to develop into a lose-lose proposition of bad press and bad feelings. And I say unbelievable because in all the articles I’ve read recently, it’s like no one credits the returning core of players who just repeated as AL East champs.

Ugly how? Bad feelings where? It's not like he's on or has ever been on the Red Sox. I don't really get the premise of the article. Boston should outbid itself?

 

[Average Reds]

Ugly how? Bad feelings where? It's not like he's on or has ever been on the Red Sox. I don't really get the premise of the article. Boston should outbid itself?

Whatever Boras pays Heyman, it's not enough.

To your comment, there is no "ugliness" and that's a silly characterization. JD Martinez has an absolute right to wait for and offer that gives him what he thinks he's worth and the Sox/other teams have an absolute right to hold the line at what they think makes sense. And life goes on.

 

[Average Reds]

To get back on topic. I wasn't very clear in my post about the pillow contract. I meant that in COMBINATION of the one year deal 1/30, and a four year deal next year say at 4/100, thats the 5/130 deal he has on the table now. IF, and only IF, the RS are his ONLY suitors this year, and ONLY if he repeats or has another 40+ hr year, and everyone agrees he would get a FOUR year deal next year, not 5 or 6, but COMBINED with the one year 30 mill deal, his risk to lose money is minimal, and the chance to gain is there, if it would be worth the risk. ONLY if he would likely not lose anything doing it that way. I hope I am clearer.

You are clear. You were clear before. I just think you have it backwards.

Any club would love to sign Martinez to this sort of deal. But I think it's not reasonable to think that the same player who is reportedly saying "no" to five years and between $120-150 million would say "yes" to a 1 year/$30 million pillow contract with no guarantees beyond that.

Sorry. I have a learning disability called "dysgraphia".
http://www.ldonline.org/article/12770
Makes it very hard to put my thoughts on paper. Very frustrating. I am not stupid, nor am I looking for or want sympathy. Just some understanding. I get some shitheads just cant help themselves and make the comments, either on my post or my LD, (I've heard them all. Short busser, helmet wearing window licker, etc.)

Who has made these comments here in response to your post (or posts)?

But let me ask this. If he is NOT worth the four year deal next year, which is what he would have left if we gave him a 5 year deal this year, or the chance he has a poor production/ injury year this year is THAT high, why in the fuck do we want to offer this guy a 5 year 9 figure contract????

Again, you have it precisely backwards. Every team in baseball would do this. Martinez would never do this.

 

[Average Reds]

What happens if they sign him for one year and he has the best year of his career? Won't his asking price go up? Won't there be a lot more competition for him? I'm just saying there can be a down-side to this approach, especially when there is no replacement waiting down on the farm.

I think clubs understand that the chance that his 2018 season is better than the one he just posted is essentially zero. That's not because Martinez isn't a good player. It's because his 2017 season was almost Bonds-at-his-PED-peak great.

He may have another great year. He's not going to have a better year than he just had.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Ugly how? Bad feelings where? It's not like he's on or has ever been on the Red Sox. I don't really get the premise of the article. Boston should outbid itself?

Seems like the only "bad feelings" and "ugliness" is going to come from the media and the tiny segment of the fanbase represented by sports radio callers. In other words, people who have no stake and no influence on anything are going to be upset that the team didn't spend money on their binky. Who cares about them?

Holding out until spring gives Martinez no further leverage. The only leverage he possibly has to increase whatever offers he has already received is to pit those offers against each other and hope they try to one-up each other. Short of that, all Martinez can do is suck it up and take the best offer or sit out and cost himself money.

What happens if they sign him for one year and he has the best year of his career? Won't his asking price go up? Won't there be a lot more competition for him? I'm just saying there can be a down-side to this approach, especially when there is no replacement waiting down on the farm.

Which is why my scenario is couched with the caveat "for the same total money". Of course there are plenty of what-ifs that can change the equation. Long term contracts are always about finding a balance between maximizing value while minimizing risk, for both sides. Teams lock in long term to fix the price in case it goes up. Players lock in long term in case their value goes down. Theoretically, they're meeting in the middle.

 

[BoSox Rule]

It's because his 2017 season was almost Bonds-at-his-PED-peak great.

It was a great partial season with the bat, but even Boras himself wouldn’t make that claim.

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=450&type=8&season=2017&month=0&season1=2001&ind=1&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=18,d

 

[Average Reds]

It was a great partial season with the bat, but even Boras himself wouldn’t make that claim.

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=450&type=8&season=2017&month=0&season1=2001&ind=1&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=18,d

That’s fair. It was a bit of slugging-driven hyperbole.

He’s still not going to do better than that.

 

[Sam Ray Not]

It was a great partial season with the bat, but even Boras himself wouldn’t make that claim.

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=450&type=8&season=2017&month=0&season1=2001&ind=1&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=18,d

lol @ .609 OBP. Like, the dude would get two pitches to hit in a game, and plunk them both in the cove.

 

[Kun Aguero]

You are clear. You were clear before. I just think you have it backwards.

Any club would love to sign Martinez to this sort of deal. But I think it's not reasonable to think that the same player who is reportedly saying "no" to five years and between $120-150 million would say "yes" to a 1 year/$30 million pillow contract with no guarantees beyond that.

I agree. I was only thinking along the lines of number of suitors, not the contract itself. Sometimes I overthink or read too much into things.

Who has made these comments here in response to your post (or posts)?

I definitely wasn't clear on this. Nobody here. I meant in other forums. I apologize for making it sound like it happened here.

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

Per Heyman, JDM willing to hold out into spring training.

https://www.fanragsports.com/heyman-red-sox-and-jd-martinez-remain-in-stalemate/

If he's holding out for 6/180 and the Sox are drawing the line at 5/130 it feels like there should be room for compromise somewhere around 6/150, so I don't think this really changes much. Maybe 6/150 with a vesting option for a 5th year based on PAs in year 5 or years 4 and 5?

 

[Rasputin]

This is how I feel. Between regression to the mean and the new hitting coach, I’m expecting to score more runs next year just by staying put. I only want JDM on our terms.

I mostly agree, but that's assuming there's a big difference between our terms and their terms.

I don't think he's really going to wait until spring training, but this is his one big chance at a big contract. The difference between a good contact and a bad contract now is going to be a noticeable difference in his overall career. It's perfectly reasonable that he hold out pretty long.

 

[ibrewbeer]

I know I will get ridiculed for this..but what ever

I work with his friend in FL. Sox offered 5 years, and he's waiting to hear what AZ offers

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

If he's holding out for 6/180 and the Sox are drawing the line at 5/130 it feels like there should be room for compromise somewhere around 6/150, so I don't think this really changes much. Maybe 6/150 with a vesting option for a 5th year based on PAs in year 5 or years 4 and 5?

From the Red Sox perspective, what incentive is there to compromise at all?

I know that Heyman suggests that Martinez has multiple offers, but if that is indeed the case, why is he (or more specifically Boras) resorting to the "I'll hold out" gambit? Seems to me that if there is a second offer and it's not being used to escalate the bidding, then it must be a lesser offer than the Sox have made. In which case, I don't see why the Sox need to budge. Short of a legitimate threat of another team swooping in to snag him, the Red Sox are best served to wait him out. Particularly since signing him isn't a make or break deal...they should be a contender for the division and the post-season either way.

 

[Sam Ray Not]

I know I will get ridiculed for this..but what ever

I work with his friend in FL. Sox offered 5 years, and he's waiting to hear what AZ offers

Does his friend have anything to say about his character, personality etc? I'd be cooler with a JDM overpay if he were even 75% as charismatic as Big Papi.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Where do things stand with the Red Sox and J.D. Martinez? Though sources say Sox chairman Tom Werner recently met with agent Scott Boras, talks remain a) between Dombrowski-Boras and b) in a deep freeze. What are the chances of a thaw?

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

From the Red Sox perspective, what incentive is there to compromise at all?

I know that Heyman suggests that Martinez has multiple offers, but if that is indeed the case, why is he (or more specifically Boras) resorting to the "I'll hold out" gambit? Seems to me that if there is a second offer and it's not being used to escalate the bidding, then it must be a lesser offer than the Sox have made. In which case, I don't see why the Sox need to budge. Short of a legitimate threat of another team swooping in to snag him, the Red Sox are best served to wait him out. Particularly since signing him isn't a make or break deal...they should be a contender for the division and the post-season either way.

Because if the Sox wait it out long enough and another team drops in and matches their offer, he may choose to go that way out of spite? Athletes have big egos fairly often, and if he doesn't feel like the Sox really want him, he may be happy to choose another team at the same terms because of it.

And whether or not they should be in the playoff picture isn't the issue. It's whether or not they can compete once there. I think a Sox lineup with Martinez in the middle is much more likely to make a deep run than one without.

 

[chawson]

Gotta think the D-backs and Giants both have more to lose by waiting and missing out.

There was a report a couple days back speculating the Nats could be in, citing their tradition of signing Boras clients late. They’d have to move Michael Taylor or Eaton to do that, but I could see the D-backs or Giants making a play for one of those guys, since making the Nats better only hurts the Mets’ bid for the Wild Card, helping their own playoff chances.

I wonder what DD’s actual back-up plan is. I imagine he’s comfortable with it, which makes me think it’s not Hanley.

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

Gotta think the D-backs and Giants both have more to lose by waiting and missing out.

There was a report a couple days back speculating the Nats could be in, citing their tradition of signing Boras clients late. They’d have to move Michael Taylor or Eaton to do that, but I could see the D-backs or Giants making a play for one of those guys, since making the Nats better only hurts the Mets’ bid for the Wild Card, helping their own playoff chances.

I wonder what DD’s actual back-up plan is. I imagine he’s comfortable with it, which makes me think it’s not Hanley.

Eh, moving Taylor to the bench for a year as the 4th outfielder/late inning defensive replacement would make plenty of sense. Then you bring him back out to the OF in 2019 after Harper is gone.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

Because if the Sox wait it out long enough and another team drops in and matches their offer, he may choose to go that way out of spite? Athletes have big egos fairly often, and if he doesn't feel like the Sox really want him, he may be happy to choose another team at the same terms because of it.

And whether or not they should be in the playoff picture isn't the issue. It's whether or not they can compete once there. I think a Sox lineup with Martinez in the middle is much more likely to make a deep run than one without.

Of course Martinez makes their lineup more potent and dangerous for the playoffs. Not trying to say it wouldn't. My point in bringing up post-season chances was to say that Martinez right now is a luxury, not a necessity. If Martinez goes elsewhere, for whatever reason, it's not the end of the world for the Red Sox. Therefore they have all the incentive in the world to stand pat until they absolutely have to move.

If another team drops in with a matching or better offer, that's a different story and absolutely they should up their offer to beat it and get Martinez if they really want him. I just don't think it makes any sense to compromise between Martinez's asking price and their current offer unless there's actually an offer from another team that beats theirs.

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

Of course Martinez makes their lineup more potent and dangerous for the playoffs. Not trying to say it wouldn't. My point in bringing up post-season chances was to say that Martinez right now is a luxury, not a necessity. If Martinez goes elsewhere, for whatever reason, it's not the end of the world for the Red Sox. Therefore they have all the incentive in the world to stand pat until they absolutely have to move.

If another team drops in with a matching or better offer, that's a different story and absolutely they should up their offer to beat it and get Martinez if they really want him. I just don't think it makes any sense to compromise between Martinez's asking price and their current offer unless there's actually an offer from another team that beats theirs.

That's what I disagree with. I don't think they can compete in the post season without a power bat like Martinez being added. (edit: Even accounting for regression from last year and Hyers tweaking some swings) Yeah, they could get lucky and get hot at just the right time, but I'd rather they go in with a stronger lineup and have a better chance to win even if they don't have a perfectly timed hot streak.

If they think they know the price for Machado and can meet it and just aren't because Martinez for just money is preferable, okay fine. Wait it out. Otherwise, there isn't a comparable bat on the market right now so I'd rather they don't dick around.

 

[Sampo Gida]

Looking at Mannys stats I realize JDM is basically Manny Lite. One year older than Manny when he was a FA that got him 8/160 at the turn of the century 17 years ago (which is over 300 million in todays dollars adjusting for payroll inflation) His last 3 years not too far off from Mannys last 3 years although not quite at the same level (a step down actually). The bigger difference was Manny had a much better early career than JDM and more of a track record

Previous 3 years before FA

JDM 105 HR, 148 OPS+, 3.9 WAR/600 PA
Manny 127 HR, 168 OPS+, 5.6 WAR/600 PA

It concerns me that JDM breakout coincided with the introduction of the juiced ball 2 1/2 years ago. But then Mannys career started at the beginning of what we know as the steroid era , which likely also had a juiced ball component

So in todays dollars a 29 yo Manny got 8/320 (40 million AAV). Is the 30 yo JDM really not worth 6/180 (30 million AAV) as Boras is asking? Doesnt seem so silly now. Not that I would pay that given the LT threshold and penalties today

Of course, the supposed absence of PED's supposedly means players decline faster today although that did not seem to happen with Big Papi or even post 2004 Manny if one assumes was clean while in Boston (from 2005-2007 he was basically JDM with 100 HR and 148 OPS+)

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

He had a 154 wRC+ in 2014 with 23 HR in 123 games in 2014. Why would you mark the start of his breakout in 2015?

 

[E5 Yaz]

He had a 154 wRC+ in 2014 with 23 HR in 123 games in 2014. Why would you mark the start of his breakout in 2015?

The cherries were on an easier branch from which to pick

 

[RedOctober3829]

Where do things stand with the Red Sox and J.D. Martinez? Though sources say Sox chairman Tom Werner recently met with agent Scott Boras, talks remain a) between Dombrowski-Boras and b) in a deep freeze. What are the chances of a thaw?

Here's the guts of the article from Speier.

"In an offseason that has moved with all of the briskness of drying paint, the Red Sox’ pursuit of J.D. Martinez remains at a standstill. The current status of the talks?

“Dead,” suggested a major league source, before softening the statement with a puckish curiosity. “Will it revive?”

The possibility certainly exists. After all, according to that same source, Red Sox chairman Tom Werner recently met with agent Scott Boras, with Martinez – among other topics – having been part of the conversation.

Werner declined to comment on the meeting – or to acknowledge that it took place. He did, however, make clear that he wasn’t engaged in negotiations with Boras about one of his clients.

“I have a very cordial relationship with Scott,” Werner said in a text message, “but discussions regarding free agents go through [Red Sox president of baseball operations] Dave Dombrowski.”

This winter, the Sox’ interest in Martinez is undeniable, and with good reason. No free agent could do more to address the lack of long balls that the team endured in 2017."

 

[sean1562]

THere is no chance the Nats sign Martinez. They are gonna make a real push for Harper and don’t need another OF. They just traded the farm for eaton, why would they move him now? Their top prospect might be the best CF prospect in all of baseball, and Brian Goodwin, a former top prospect, had a great year last year. JD to the nats makes no sense

 

[dcmissle]

Gotta think the D-backs and Giants both have more to lose by waiting and missing out.

There was a report a couple days back speculating the Nats could be in, citing their tradition of signing Boras clients late. They’d have to move Michael Taylor or Eaton to do that, but I could see the D-backs or Giants making a play for one of those guys, since making the Nats better only hurts the Mets’ bid for the Wild Card, helping their own playoff chances.

I wonder what DD’s actual back-up plan is. I imagine he’s comfortable with it, which makes me think it’s not Hanley.

That report was likely the Nats carrying water for Scott Boras. Which they have done before. Like signing Matt Wieters to an almost preposterous two-year contract late last off-season. And after a predictably miserable season, Wieters exercised the second year option on that contract at the speed of light.

The point of that was currying favor for Harper. Rizzo is resourceful, very resourceful. But he’d have to empty the outfield to make room for JDM because they are light years away from throwing the towel in on Harper.

And if they need any help winning their division next year, we all are living in an alternate universe.

 

[Buzzkill Pauley]

"In an offseason that has moved with all of the briskness of drying paint, the Red Sox’ pursuit of J.D. Martinez remains at a standstill. The current status of the talks?

“Dead,” suggested a major league source, before softening the statement with a puckish curiosity. “Will it revive?”

I guess if he signs with Boston that makes him an iguana.

 

[edoug]

I guess if he signs with Boston that makes him an iguana.

An outfielder that can play on the Green Monster. Makes sighing him more desirable.

 

[Green Monster]

I know I will get ridiculed for this..but what ever

I work with his friend in FL. Sox offered 5 years, and he's waiting to hear what AZ offers

So the D'Backs are the ones holding everything up?

 

[Rasputin]

So the D'Backs are the ones holding everything up?

If it's true--and there are many failure points even if everyone has good intentions--it's entirely reasonable to think Martinez' camp negotiated the Sox up as far as they were willing to go and took that back to Arizona who is trying to come up with a creative package that doesn't include more money.

Honestly, I think there's a very large chance the Sox sign him in the next two weeks.

 

[Dewey'sCannon]

I suspect it has come down to the Red Sox and the Dbacks. And I wouldn't be surprised if his preference was AZ: he can play the OF, he had success there, apparently was very well-liked and fit into their clubhouse, they hired his personal batting coach as a hitting instructor, and it's a warm weather site. So there are lots of reasons why he may be waiting to see if Hazen and the Dbacks can match the Sox offer, or come close.

The media speculation suggests that AZ can't afford to compete with the Red Sox on the salary offer unless they are able to trade Greinke. But I don't understand why this is necessarily the case. Per b-ref, their payroll projection for 2018 stands at $115m - well below the CBT. Phoenix is a big city, the team regularly draws 2m+ fans (over 3m in the Randy Johnson years), and should get a bump in attendance coming off a playoff year. So you'd think they be able to afford more, especially since their long-term obligations are minimal beyond Greinke (who's owed 34-35 per through 2021): Tomas (46m through 2020) and Goldschmidt (11.1 this year with an option for 2019 at 14.5).

That being said, I don't think DD should overpay to get him. 5/130-ish seems reasonable to me. But I'd consider adding a team option for year 6 (with a modest buyout), or an opt-out after year 3, if that's what it takes to get it done. But 6 years at 150-180 is to damn much for a DH (or player best suited to DH). If they can't get him for a fair price, I think they can open the season with what they have. Sure, they will need bounce-back years from a few guys, improvement or sustained contributions from Beni and Devers, and someone to step up and provide solid contributions from the bench from among Swihart, Brentz, Travis, Holt, Marco and/or Marrero, but that doesn't seem like an unreasonable expectation that a couple of these guys will be at or above replacement level. And I wouldn't rule out Rusney as an option, since we're over the cap anyway - he had a rebound year in Pawtucket (and hit another HR in Puerto Rico yesterday) - and weren't there reports that Cora liked him as a player?

I'd love to see JDM in the Sox lineup this year - he would make the offense significantly better. But not at a cost that's unreasonable, and that will impair their ability to keep the top guys like Mookie and Sale when their contracts expire.

 

[Tokyo Sox]

lol @ .609 OBP. Like, the dude would get two pitches to hit in a game, and plunk them both in the cove.

Sorry for the off topic post but, saw this the other day:

 

[chawson]

If JDM wants the clearest path to the playoffs, the Sox have an edge over the D-backs. The Dodgers have that division locked up for years.

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

If JDM wants the clearest path to the playoffs, the Sox have an edge over the D-backs. The Dodgers have that division locked up for years.

I don't think that difference is clear or strong enough to be much more than a tiebreaker. And if JDM is sincere about wanting to play the outfield, the fact that the Dbacks would have no choice but to play him there might be a much more enticing tiebreaker. I suspect that if the Sox get him it will be because they offered more money.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

lol @ .609 OBP. Like, the dude would get two pitches to hit in a game, and plunk them both in the cove.

Joey Votto has the personal goal of reaching base at a .500 clip. You could see it possibly happening but it would still be amazing. Bonds was just in another world.

 

[drbretto]

Sorry for the off topic post but, saw this the other day:
View attachment 19258

One step further:


If anyone here hasn't seen this, it's worth it. Bonds was unlike anything there ever was or ever will be.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Hitting wise, Babe Ruth is kinda like him. That kinda proves your point though.