869 replies to this topic

[LateRally]

9 Mil just seemed like a lot for a 43 year old average starter that dropped the ball big time when his team needed him most...chi town.

To be fair, Wells probably had the best start for the Sox in the Chicago series. The problem was the rest of the pitching (except for Papelbon) and the fact that the bats did not show up.

And you're kidding about DLowe right?

[502 to Right]

How about Wells to LAD for JD Drew and $$?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

JD Drew for another 4 years at something like $10 million per? No way.

He can't stay healthy (unless it's a contract year) and the word in baseball is that he has no fire and no heart (ask Tony LaRussa).

I don't know that any team would take on JD Drew and his contract even if he was placed on waivers.

[The Boomer]

Choi from LA?
Roberts from San Diego?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote]

Burroughs from San Diego?

Choi might make the most sense because he is a good defensive firstbaseman with a good batting eye but a tendency to strikeout. He's kind of like Mark Bellhorn but with 30 HR potential. After hitting 3 Hrs in one game this summer, Choi still couldn't get out of Jim Tracy's doghouse. His entire career has been on the fringes of the NL but he might blossom in the AL.

[Rudy Pemberton]

What about playing up the Melvin / Sveum connection and sending Boomer to Milwaukee? Some great promotional opportunities, I'm sure.

[Dalton Jones]

I never liked the fat fvck until he started to grow on me, and by September I was looking forward to his starts. He will not be easily replaced. I'm hoping he's just trying to squeeze more money out of the Sox.

[trekfan55]

In this case, if the Sox don't find a good value for Wells, will they tell him to sack up and pitch or let him go for a sack of balls?

In case they force him to stay, he gets money for making starts, and if he decides to crap the bed in his starts, then he can be benched or sent to the bullpen, so he has an incentive to play and do it well.

[xjack]

He's kind of like Mark Bellhorn but with 30 HR potential. After hitting 3 Hrs in one game this summer, Choi still couldn't get out of Jim Tracy's doghouse. His entire career has been on the fringes of the NL but he might blossom in the AL.

If Vegas had a bet for MLB player most likely to take the Derrek Lee career path, I'd put my money on Choi. Problem is, the Dodgers have a GM who presumably sees the same value we do... But I agree, Choi would be a nice fit for the Sox if he can be acquired on the cheap.

[67WasBest]

What about playing up the Melvin / Sveum connection and sending Boomer to Milwaukee? Some great promotional opportunities, I'm sure.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And it's on the "west coast" of Lake Michigan

[philly sox fan]

A trade back to SD makes sense, but I'm not sure they've got room.

Peavy, Lawrence, Williams are all under contract. Unfortunately, Williams kicked in his 06 option despite a very blah year.

Eaton is arb eligible and under control.

Park is under contract as well, though he may not be much more than a sunk cost afterthought for them.

I assume they'd like to keep the 5th slot open for Stauffer or someone else quite a bit cheaper than Wells.

Wells is better than Williams and Lawrence so he'd be an asset for them, but I'm not sure they'd want to squeeze him in without moving Williams or Lawrence and I doubt the Sox would have interest in either.

[5belongstoGeorge]

Speaking from a daily association with some very aware Padre fans, they would supply airfare for Lawrence to get him out of town.

Rumor has it that San Diego is in a lot of turmoil over the whole Towers vs. Alderson death match. Things probably need to settle down here before they do much dealing.

[Paul M]

What about Wells to San Francisco --they do like their gray-beards--for someone like Todd Linden? Might not be exactly what we want, but he could be a nice cheap corner OF, and he possesses some skills.

[SoxFanSince57]

Everybody knows that outfielder Todd Linden is a big leaguer, yet where he'll fit on the Giants roster in 2006 is still an unanswered question. Linden, 25, has jetted out of the Minor League ranks, kicking in the afterburners with a sensational season at Triple-A Fresno, batting .321 and leading the Pacific Coast League with 30 homers and 80 RBIs in only 95 games.

Wow. Triple wow. And nearly a PCL Triple Crown. So he can, in theory, forget about the Grizzlies forever more.

The real trick is competing and succeeding in the Major Leagues, where his defensive flair has hit the video replay boards but also where veteran right-handed pitchers own crisp breaking balls and on-the-black offerings that can fool All-Stars, much less take advantage of holes in young hitters' swings.

And Linden, even after multiple seasons of heavy-duty tinkering, still has his problems, which he hopes to help solve by playing winter ball in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Last year for the Giants, the switch-hitter hit .300 as a right-handed batter, but that was only in 30 games. On the left side -- where, presumably, the power lies -- he batted .196 and struggled over his final 26 games with San Francisco, hitting .136 with one RBI.

Analyzing Linden's .216 overall average, manager Felipe Alou feels there's still room for the strongman to become a complete player but admits he's getting impatient. As are others in the Giants' organization.

"I've talked to him about being more aggressive at the plate," said Alou. "I know Todd is a good baseball player -- he has good baserunning skills, a good arm and is a great defensive guy. He's a much better righty hitter and we'd like for him to get better as a lefty hitter. He may not be a regular player [now], but if he does better as a lefty, he could be an everyday guy."

General manager Brian Sabean has stated the club desperately needs a potent left-handed basher -- possibly a first baseman or complementary outfielder -- and if Linden progresses quickly, he could shove speedy Jason Ellison aside for the fourth outfield spot in 2006.

It'll take some pushing. Ellison has the edge for the moment, thanks to 14 stolen bases, a .264 overall average and five outfield assists during the 2005 season.

Sabean has stated Linden and first sacker Lance Niekro need to improve dramatically over the next few years or become tradeable players, and Linden realizes time is running out.

"I'm looking to get more at-bats in Mazatlan and make the adjustments I'm trying to make," said Linden, the Giants sandwich selection in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. "I look at what I did at Triple-A, and I'm that same player. There are some loopholes I have to take care of, tighten up the swing. If I flatten it out, it'll be tougher for people to get me out."

What he'd like to do is recapture the two-week magic he showed after being recalled on Aug. 12 to San Francisco, batting .389 with a homer, three doubles and two RBIs and sporting a career-high six-game hitting streak in which he hit .480 and had multi-hit efforts in four games at Cincinnati.

Then, the spiral began.

"It's a matter of seeing pitches I can handle from the left side," said Linden. "I flatten my swing, get more pitches, and can cover more of the zone so they won't be able to eat me up here and there. The pitchers are aware of my weak spots and they'll throw to it.

"I'm conscious of them, but in Triple-A, that wasn't me," he said. "In Triple-A, I was laying off those close pitches and waiting for my pitch. With the Giants, pitchers are going to exploit my weakness, and I need to stop chasing [pitches] so I don't get myself out."
Giants Webpage

Edited by SoxFanSince57, 21 October 2005 - 05:18 PM.

[reggiecleveland]

by September I was looking forward to his starts.  He will not be easily replaced.  I'm hoping he's just trying to squeeze more money out of the Sox.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with both points just because the rest of our starting sucked a lot of the time.

Edited by reggiecleveland, 21 October 2005 - 05:21 PM.

[gaelgirl]

What's the latest word on the Jason Schmidt sitauation out in SF?  In 2006 he's got a $10m deal or a $3m buyout.

Here's a wacky one for you.

If they're planning on keeping him that's one thing.  If they're planning to jettison him, they could pick up his option and send him with $1m to Boston.  Sox pay Schmidt the same Wells was due to recieve ($9m) w/ full incentives.  Giants, rather than paying $3m to Scmidt for nothing, pay Wells $5m plus up to $5m of incentives if he pitches the whole year... the equivalent of signing a $7m FA.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is a nonsense trade for the Giants -- they would be paying at least $9 million for David Wells (with the option pick-up, money to the Red Sox and minimum Wells contract) instead of paying, in essence, $7 million for Jason Schmidt (because of the huge buyout). In essence, if they don't keep Schmidt, they need a $7 million free agent/trade that has as much potential upside as he does. Wells very clearly does not, in my opinion.

The only way a Schmidt-Wells trade works for the Giants, I think, is if the Red Sox send a few million along, not the other way around. The trade, then, doesn't work for the Red Sox, who would be spending $13 million on a questionable Jason Schmidt. I think Schmidt will have a huge season, though.

However, I do think the Giants might be interested in getting Wells. They desperately need innings-eaters and some solid veteran starting pitchers. However, I think you need to speculate closer to Todd Linden than Jason Schmidt. I am not a big Linden fan and he was awful for the latter half of his big league season. He absolutely did not make the transition and has some big loops in his swing. I actually am not that high on his defense, either. His best defensive catch was made entirely because he broke in and to the left on a ball that was way over his head to the right and didn't figure it out until it was halfway out to him. However, my dad and some other Giants fans love the guy, go on and on about what a great "athlete" he is. There is definite potential there.

Jason Ellison might also be interesting -- he's very fast, has good defense and seems to know how to hit. He has no real power, though, and would have to be successful as a singles/situational hitter.

Oh, Fassero is indeed a free agent, not under contract with the Giants, for whomever speculated there. He did a fairly good job for the Giants, all things considered.

Edited by gaelgirl, 21 October 2005 - 08:10 PM.

[Spacemans Bong]

Plus, GG, there is that whole Brian Sabean inexplicably still thinks he can win it all complex going on.

[Pumpsie]

Choi might make the most sense because he is a good defensive firstbaseman with a good batting eye but a tendency to strikeout. He's kind of like Mark Bellhorn but with 30 HR potential. After hitting 3 Hrs in one game this summer, Choi still couldn't get out of Jim Tracy's doghouse. His entire career has been on the fringes of the NL but he might blossom in the AL.

This is just wishful thinking. What has Hee Seop Choi ever done to make anyone think he'll be anything but a marginal player? Choi has about a .780 OPS in about 1,000 atbats. He can't hit lefties, so he has to be in a platoon and that platoon partner can't be David Ortiz. He's also a pull hitter so his production would probably be hurt by playing in Fenway. I think there's a greater chance that his production would go further south in the AL than get better, let alone "blossom." Choi walked 36 times last year and struck out 80 times in 300+ atbats. Choi would be a lefthanded Mark Bellhorn at first. If Bellhorn's production was inadequate for second to some, it would be terrible at first. Not Choi, please. I'd like to see some pitching come back for David Wells. Tracy knew what he was doing.

[hytem]

To be fair, Wells probably had the best start for the Sox in the Chicago series.  The problem was the rest of the pitching (except for Papelbon) and the fact that the bats did not show up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree.
Wells' number came up in several key games this year, including a couple against
the Yankees, and he pitched well in all of them.
That HR after the error did hurt, however, and he was quick to blame himself for it.
I wish he would come back--he's that lefty Yankee killer they need.
But then, he's 43?. He's bound to slip, sooner rather than later.
They were lucky they got a good year out of him.
The Yankees took a chance with RJ, and he's now in decline.

[BigMike]

What about Wells to San Francisco --they do like their gray-beards--for someone like Todd Linden? Might not be exactly what we want, but he could be a nice cheap corner OF, and he possesses some skills.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I just can't see the Giant spicking up another expensive old player who is almost a given to spend some time on the disabled list.

the only way that even is any type of option is if the Giants can unload an even worse contract on the Sox

[Steve Dillard]

I agree.
Wells' number came up in several key games this year, including a couple against
the Yankees, and he pitched well in all of them.
That HR after the error did hurt, however, and he was quick to blame himself for it.
I wish he would come back--he's that lefty Yankee killer they need.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Stop. He did not pitch well in "all of them." He pitched well enough in some (Sept 30, 3 ERs, vs. Balt. 3 ER), and pitched suck in some of them (2.2 IP, 10 hts vs. Tampa in September; 6 R in 5.2 innings vs. the Yankees). Dispense with the "Yankee killer" verbiage.

None of these were outstanding or irreplaceable - i.e. none were less than 3 runs. Some were nice inning eaters. Even the clutch game in the playoffs was good enough to lose.

The best you can say is he had a couple of average starts which gave him his deserved ~4.5 ERA. For $9 million that is a minimum.

[Philip Jeff Frye]

I just can't see the Giant spicking up another expensive old player who is almost a given to spend some time on the disabled list.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of course, one might have said the same thing about the likelihood of the Red Sox adding Wells to their rotation a year ago.

Personally, I look forward to the day when I no longer have to root for this jerk. I'm blown away by all the "he was a good pitcher down the stretch for us" posts in this thread, as if an ERA in the mid-4's in both August and September is anything to brag about. The ALDS might have been a lot different if he hadn't served up that meatball to Iguchi.

Good riddance. And good luck to Theo getting more than a bucket of baseballs back for him.

[xjack]

. What has Hee Seop Choi ever done to make anyone think he'll be anything but a marginal player? Choi has about a .780 OPS in about 1,000 atbats. 

Derrek Lee had a .740 OPS in his first 1,000 at-bats.

[Lars The Wanderer]

The Red Sox, Yanks and Cards all started the '05 season with an average team age > Giants. While the Giants position players were on the ancient side, their rotation was relatively young.

the only way that even is any type of option is if the Giants can unload an even worse contract on the Sox

Exactly. They'd love for some team to bail them out of the 7 million they owe Edgardo Alfonzo for the '06 season.

Edited by Lars The Wanderer, 21 October 2005 - 10:46 PM.

[TheYellowDart5]

I'm amazed that some people here think that Wells asking for a trade out is a good thing. You know that there's no way the Sox get even close to equal value for him, right?

So basically, in exchange for a #3 starter, we get spare parts or a bad contract, and another hole to fill on next year's team. Lovely.

[Rough Carrigan]

And the Sox paid $9 million for that #3 starter. They could have paid Paul Byrd a little over half that and have gotten about the same performance. Hell, they could sign Paul Byrd for 2006 and 2007 with Wells's money and come out ahead.

Scenario 1:
David Wells

Scenario 2:
Paul Byrd
3+ million dollars cash saved
some kind of return from the trade of Wells

[SpikeMyOwen]

Good point -- it's going to be tough to replace his MLB leading 7.97 runs per game of run support.

Funny when D. Lowe led the league in RS at 7.x+ per game no one seemed to care, now people are bringing up that as a negative against Wells record? Amazing how that shit turns around depending on the player.

I for one hate to see him leave and take his 15 (could have been 18-19 easy) wins with him. Oh well i'm in San Diego now, so I can always watch him and dave roberts here now.

[Spacemans Bong]

Source: http://redsox.boston...&format=&page=2

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good to know the Herald's in la-la land.

[singaporesoxfan]

Zito had an $8.5M option for '06 that was picked up.  I know his numbers look decent, but I've never been a big Zito fan.  Can't really put my finger on it, but I don't want him in Boston.

For starters he's been atrocious at Fenway in limited action (ERA around 8 in 3 career starts).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

More importantly, I don't think I could take the Zito-Arroyo duelling-guitar combo.

[Pumpsie]

Good to know the Herald's in la-la land.

Yeah, now we have to add Michael Silverman's name to the complete idiot's list. Dopey.

[Rudy Pemberton]

And the Sox paid $9 million for that #3 starter. They could have paid Paul Byrd a little over half that and have gotten about the same performance. Hell, they could sign Paul Byrd for 2006 and 2007 with Wells's money and come out ahead.

It's not that easy. When Byrd signed with the Angels, he indicated that the Sox had made him an offer as well. He had a choice though; and signed with the Angels. I believe this was after the Sox had signed Wells (although I don't know when the offer to Byrd was made) so it might have been Byrd over Clement (preferable, in hindsight).

Wells made $7.5M last year, didn't he? Shouldn't you split up the signing bonus?

It's really, really tough to sign competent pitchers as free agents. Ten times as hard to find potential aces. Hopefully Papelbon / Lester / Sanchez work out, or it could get worse. Who knows what happens with Schilling, Wake won't be around forever, and while Clement and Arroyo are competent 4-5 men, they probably will never be much better.

[Bowlerman9]

Wells signing bonus was, just that ... a signing bonus. It wasnt spread out or anything.

Last year, he made:

3M signing bonus
2.5M base salary
5M incentives

For a total of 10.5M in 2005

He is still due:

2.5M base salary
Possible 5M in incentives

For a total of 2.5M-7.5M in 2006

[PedroKsBambino]

Bowler, that's not the case. It's been reported a number of times that the signing bonus is split evenly between the two years

Here's one source...but it's been described this way since it was signed.

Wells in Globe...page 3 of article

FWIW, I don't recall anything firm that the Sox were really that interested in Byrd, though it's possible.

Edited by PedroKsBambino, 22 October 2005 - 08:23 PM.

[Bowlerman9]

Thanks PKB. That comes as news to me. The article I saved then he first signed stated that he received the 3M up front. I guess I'll have to dig a little deeper to find out if thats really the case or not.

[PedroKsBambino]

There was some discussion of it earlier this year is the only reason I had that...I don't recall why though. I suspect (though don't know) part of the thinking was that the Sox wondered if he'd retire or ask for a trade, and didn't want to eat all of that signing bonus (pun intended).

Or not.

[Rudy Pemberton]

FWIW, I don't recall anything firm that the Sox were really that interested in Byrd, though it's possible.

I read it in an article after Byrd signed with the Angels, don't think it was really reported in the Boston press, so who knows about the accuracy, the type of offer, or when it was made (if it even was).

I think the larger point remains, though. It's easy to say "But the Sox should have signed Byrd instead of Wells!" but it ignores that the player has a choice and that he may just not be interested. It also forgets that Byrd, a perennial fave of mine, had some pretty big question (largely health) marks coming into the year too.

[In my lifetime]

I just don't think that Wells with a 9 million dollar contract (the 5 million dollar in incentives he makes as long as he arm doesn't fall off and he can make his 30 starts) has great trade value.

I expect the Red Sox to explore what exact trade value he has. If he has some value with his contract, they'll move him. If the only trades they can make are eating some awful contract, I would think they'll let him retire and then unretire to sign somewhere else if he likes.

My expectation is that he does hold some value, and the Red Sox can get some rospects or a decent player with a decnt contract. However, I can't imagine them getting a 3rd starter for him, however the money saved from his contract should be able to accomplish that. In the end, he was paid 9 million for a decent year and if he brings the Red Sox something positive in return for next year, then great.

[OttoC]

Maybe they could get Lidge for Wells.

[yecul]

I wanted Millwood in the offseason. I have no idea if he was an option (maybe he didn't like Boston, who knows), but he was the type I thought they should target. I think he was over his head this season, but even at ~average+ he'd have been an asset.

[LateRally]

I think the larger point remains, though. It's easy to say "But the Sox should have signed Byrd instead of Wells!" but it ignores that the player has a choice and that he may just not be interested.

That may certainly be true in the case of Byrd, but I think players like that, who take hometown discounts or pick a team/city over contract, are in the distinct minority. I would guess that the vast majority of players go where the money is. Everything else being equal, sure, most people will have preferences for one team over another. But all things are rarely equal.

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

I wanted Millwood in the offseason.  I have no idea if he was an option (maybe he didn't like Boston, who knows), but he was the type I thought they should target.  I think he was over his head this season, but even at ~average+ he'd have been an asset.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I guess the real question is do you want him now at a minimum of 3/30 (Boras is on record as saying he'll be looking for that).

[yecul]

I guess the real question is do you want him now at a minimum of 3/30 (Boras is on record as saying he'll be looking for that).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. I looked at the available options and preferred someone on the short/cheap money -- at least for one of the spots -- and Millwood fit the bill. He wanted to have a year like he did so he could earn a paycheck. So, short and incentive laden deal would be preferable. He took the one in Cleveland. I don't know if he wanted to go to that particilar spot or if he wasn't into Boston. I just thought he was a good fit.

Now, he's expensive and will likely revert back to being his usual average+ self. I believe he averaged 18 pitches or so an inning. That's not terribly promising.

I wasn't on the Byrd bandwagon, but he was preferable to Wells. They signed Wells to be a 2/3 starter. Not because they thought he'd just get them by. If it was, in fact the latter (and obviously this is just my opinion) then they really overpaid.

This season... well... I think it's time to transition to some younger starters (ie Papes) and the FAs aren't too attractive. I'd like to see them move Wells and Arroyo (if they can get value) and bring in some short/cheap veteran a la '05 Millwood for the back end. They're depending on Schilling returning to form anyway. If he doesn't they won't get through the playoffs anyway, so it's moot.

Still... Schill-Clement-Wake (throw in Papes as a wildcard) isn't much of a World Series rotation, IMO, so maybe it won't make a difference.

[soxfan121]

1. I thank Wells for his effort this season. In ST, it would have been hard to envision him having better stats at the end of the year than he ended up with; granted, he probably should have taken a rehab start in PAW as opposed to OAK in May/June, but in the end, he was paid well for pitching pretty well.

I enjoyed his starts for two reasons: 1. He worked fast, and I appreciate guys who work fast, as it keeps me from falling asleep between pitches (hello, Matt Clement/John Burkett/Lt. Frank); 2. He has a picture perfect delivery and mechanics you'd teach to your 15 year old LH pitcher at home.

Plus, he gives fat guys a hero.

2. I have to think that Wells might be "married to" Manny in early trade discussions, given the ANA/AZ rumors. I don't think it'll happen, but I think it's in the Sox best interest to begin talks that way. Wells, alone, doesn't have much value. But in an AZ swap, for example, you might be able to convince AZ that he has as much value to them in 2006 as Vazquez does (packaged with Manny, of course).

3. Kevin Millwood is a prime "I got MINE! Operation Shutdown!" candidate. IMO, he should never get a multi-year offer and the team that gives him 3/$30M is going to be awfully sorry in year two of that deal.

[thisyearisthe]

Couldn't agree more. Schill- Clement-Wake isn't going to win a playoff series, let alone the WS. Regardless of whether Wells returns, we either need (A) Papelbon to step up and become a legit ace or (B) Theo needs to make a deal for Zito, Hudson, or someone with similar ability. A potential ace to go with Schilling. Of course, this is all predicated on Schilling returning to form next season.

I wonder if the Braves would be interested in trading Hudson yet...

[derF]

A person close to the Red Sox said that if pitcher David Wells insists they trade him to the West Coast, Boston might send him to the Padres this winter for third baseman Sean Burroughs and center fielder Dave Roberts, who was a popular reserve for the Red Sox in their run to the 2004 World Series title.

Here's the link: http://www.signonsan..._1s9padres.html

[Rudy Pemberton]

That's not a terrible deal, assuming the Sox don't throw in cash (I think they'll have to) but I have a tough time figuring out where Burroughs fits in. I know the Sox have been infatuated with him for a while, but he seems like Youkilis-lite. Roberts is OK, but as a starter? I dunno, I don't really like it although it probably appeases the fan base.

Is the goal to go get another starter, or just count on Papelbon? The latter seems wildly optimistic. Signing Burnett with Damon's money seems pretty risky too.

[Marbleheader]

A person close to the Red Sox said that if pitcher David Wells insists they trade him to the West Coast, Boston might send him to the Padres this winter for third baseman Sean Burroughs and center fielder Dave Roberts, who was a popular reserve for the Red Sox in their run to the 2004 World Series title.

Here's the link: http://www.signonsan..._1s9padres.html

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A platoon in 2 of 3 outfield spots might be ugly too, as much as I love Roberts. I'd consider it if I knew I was going to get a decent starter in the FA market to replace him in the rotation.

[PedroKsBambino]

I'd think Roberts would be the fallback in CF if nothing else develops and would be traded again should the Sox acquire Cameron, re-sign Damon, etc. If you are going to lose Wells either way (which seems likely) might as well get the fallback CF before you know whether you'll need him, I guess.

I agree that you have a bit of a problem with Roberts and Nixon in the OF vs LHP.

Burroughs acquisition would probably be with an eye on a utlity guy/extra bat. And would, you'd think, end any chance of Bill Mueller returning.

[Lynchie]

Is the goal to go get another starter, or just count on Papelbon? The latter seems wildly optimistic. Signing Burnett with Damon's money seems pretty risky too.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would like to see another top quality starter and JP in the rotation next year. I think he (JP) could be a great addition to this Boston staff with his stuff and apparent mental toughness.

Damon aside, the pitching was thin last year and to compete for the crown in any year, pitching is a requirement. It really is just the cost of doing business in MLB if you want to be in the elite teams that have a chance. Without 3 really good starters most teams are done before the season starts. Should no good pitching be acquired you will know that they are not serious about winning. Would I miss David Wells if he gets traded, no. There are options to be had I think.

Edited by Lynchie, 09 November 2005 - 12:06 PM.

[Rudy Pemberton]

Damon aside, the pitching was thin last year and to compete for the crown in any year, pitching is a requirement.

Totally agree, which is why I have a hard time giving up a guy like Wells for two players who project as backups, essentially. Now, if you move Wells you free up some cash but I have a hard time seeing how the Sox get as sure a thing as Wells without taking on salary in future years. I guess Wells can threaten to retire and you get nothing, but I see him going through with that as a tad unlikely. I guess you don't want an unhappy guy around, but I was under the impression that Wells requested a trade, but wasn't demanding it and wouldn't be a problem if kept around. Has that changed?

[redsox1918]

Sean Burroughs and center fielder Dave Roberts for, likely,... one more year of David Wells? David Wells, the same pitcher, who has had multiple back surgeries, and now has a degenerative knee condition. Why would the Padres do that, ....because they like us?