1588 replies to this topic

[templeUsox]

Herald Link

With the return of Theo Epstein all but formalized, the Red Sox now appear on the verge of concluding a heretofore tumultuous offseason by acquiring both center fielder Coco Crisp and shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

And not a moment too soon.

    According to baseball sources, the Red Sox and Cleveland Indians have agreed in principle on a deal that will bring outfielder Crisp to the Sox in a multi-player trade. The deal was agreed upon several days ago under the condition that Cleveland be able to acquire another outfielder to replace Crisp, presumably Jason Michaels from the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Red Sox will send a package including reliever Guillermo Mota and prospect Andy Marte to the Indians. The inclusion of Mota in the deal explains why the Sox signed free agent reliever Julian Tavarez to a two-year contract despite having a bullpen that already included Keith Foulke, Mike Timlin, Mota, Rudy Seanez and, perhaps, Jonathan Papelbon.

Its being discussed in several other places. I figured I would start a thread to merge discussion. This is a bad trade as it stands. I know the Sox are going to sell it as a Renteria for Crisp trade. But that just undersells how good the Renteria for Marte trade was. They shouldn't have to turn around and trickle down their winnings.

Edited by templeUsox, 23 January 2006 - 06:06 PM.

[anaxamandr]

Good call Temple, I think this definitely deserves its own thread, as discussion has thus far been unorganized and scattered. I think it is important not to over-react if Marte was indeed traded away. Remember that there was serious speculation about elbow problems (which may or may not have been downplayed intentionally by the Sox FO). We needed a viable CF for the forsee-able future. We got one. I think the ceiling on Coco is extremely high and that we can count on average to abover average durability and an increase in OPS in this lineup and in Fenway. Better to lose Marte than Lester/Papelbon/Hansen. Mota had obviously become expendable w/ all the relief signings plus the prospect of Bronson/Papelbon in the pen.

[XNOUGHT]

Crisp had a .900 road OPS last year. Switch hits. Plays good defense. Is 26.


Marte wishes he was Crisp. Mota was the odd man out.




I am not on Red Sox payroll.

[SoxScout]

He just hasn't played good defense in the 188 games he played there.

edit: "there" being center field.

Edited by SoxScout, 22 January 2006 - 01:13 AM.

[woofer]

I am not on Red Sox payroll.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That was a pretty good audition, though.

I'm excited about Crisp... I'd like to hear that we got another high upside prospect in return as well.

Edited by woofer, 22 January 2006 - 01:17 AM.

[templeUsox]

Crisp had a .900 road OPS last year. Switch hits. Plays good defense. Is 26.
Marte wishes he was Crisp. Mota was the odd man out.
I am not on Red Sox payroll.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I like Crisp as much as the next man. But a trade is not about the value you will get, its about the value that is perceived you will get. And I think the opinion is fairly strong in baseball that Marte has a higher trade value than just Coco Crisp. Marte is a top 10 prospect in baseball, and could have been a stalwart for the future. The fact that Crisp isn't a FA until 09 doesn't excite me. The Sox have enough money where they would keep him if they wanted him. I really hope there is another chip coming back our way. It doesn't make me feel any better that we gave a young, up-and-coming team another stud.

Edited by templeUsox, 22 January 2006 - 01:15 AM.

[Yaz4Ever]

Am I reading this wrong or does it seem to suggest that there are other players who may be involved? I was very excited to have Marte on the Sox roster, but Crisp is an outstanding addition. If we're receiving more in terms of prospect(s) - Garko, Cabrera Dittler (a kid I coached in little league) - from Cleveland than just Crisp, I think a lot of people lamenting the loss of Marte will be happy. If it's just Crisp, I still have to admit I like the deal.

Edited by Yaz4Ever, 22 January 2006 - 01:18 AM.

[sox junky]

If this was the alternative, they just should have paid Damon the money and kept the prospects. But, because they didn't want to pay him one dime over their perceived value, they are forced to trade good prospects and hurt their "youth movement."

I can't wait to watch the payroll flexibility parade.

[sox junky]

Am I reading this wrong or does it seem to suggest that there are other players who may be involved?  I was very excited to have Marte on the Sox roster, but Crisp is an outstanding addition.  If we're receiving more in terms of prospect(s) from Cleveland than just Crisp, I think a lot of people lamenting the loss of Marte will be happy.  If it's just Crisp, I still have to admit I like the deal.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, it appears there are more players involved. And don't be surprised if it gets worse for the Sox. They were dealing from a position of weakness. The Indians really didn't have to do this deal. The Red Sox did. I expect another top 10 prospect goes to Cleveland. I seriously hope I'm wrong. Fucking Jason Michaels was the way to go. Morons.

[woofer]

If this was the alternative, they just should have paid Damon the money and kept the prospects.  But, because they didn't want to pay him one dime over their perceived value, they are forced to trade good prospects and hurt their "youth movement."

I can't wait to watch the payroll flexibility parade.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm hoping that most people will put the breaks on the wailing until this trade has been verified. I am currently concerned, but this could go from a very questionable move to a very decent one is we are getting a good prospect in return.

[Sullysox]

Better to lose Marte than Lester/Papelbon/Hansen.

Funny. I haven't seen a reputable prospect ranking list that would agree with that statement.

What a masterstroke by Shapiro. Turn Crisp into Marte and fill the hole with Jason Michaels, who may be better than Crisp anyway.

[woofer]

Yes, it appears there are more players involved.  And don't be surprised if it gets worse for the Sox.  They were dealing from a position of weakness.  The Indians really didn't have to do this deal.  The Red Sox did.  I expect another top 10 prospect goes to Cleveland.  I seriously hope I'm wrong.  Fucking Jason Michaels was the way to go.  Morons.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

See, I don't get this. If Michaels was the answer, and he was available for someone like Riske, how were the Sox dealing from a position of weakness? How do you know it wasn't the Indians who were desperate for Marte and were willing to go Crisp + a top 10 prospect for Marte and Mota? I'm not saying that is what is happening, but how do you know one way or another?

[Monster Dick Radatz]

Better to lose Marte than Lester/Papelbon/Hansen.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This, IMO, is the key point (along with the fact that is almost February). If this trade goes down, my satisfaction with having a CF and keeping our young arms would outweigh my regret at losing Marte. There is no doubt that Marte is a great prospect, but we also needed a quality CF and Crisp should fit that bill for a while (see EV's post in the CF Options thread).

That said, Arroyo for Reed sure would have been nice, huh? Like everything else in life, timing is everything...

[EricM80]

If this was the alternative, they just should have paid Damon the money and kept the prospects.  But, because they didn't want to pay him one dime over their perceived value, they are forced to trade good prospects and hurt their "youth movement."

I can't wait to watch the payroll flexibility parade.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But couldn't you make the argument that the Sox did not want to overpay for potentially the decline years of Damon, while they may have just acquired a guy like Crisp who is just entering his peak?

I don't really think this deal hurts their youth moment. Crisp is only 26. They have Beckett who is only 25. Hansen, Papelbon, Lester, etc. are all in their early to mid-20s. They have quite a few young guys that can make an impact either this year or in the near future.

I am not happy to trade Marte, but it goes back to the old saying "You have to give up value to get value." The Braves probably did not want to part with Marte, but they felt like they had to in order to fill their hole at shortstop.

Similarly, the Sox had a gaping hole in CF, and while I am sure they were not thrilled to part with Marte, they had to bite the bullet and do so anyways.

[Gash Prex]

Let see, we trade un-proven minor league talent with a potential for greatness for a proven, very good, young cheap major league player that we control for 4+ years who plays a position we have a great need at. Sounds like a good deal for both teams.

Renteria for crisp? and save some $$$ ok, sign me up.

[SoxScout]

Funny. I haven't seen a reputable prospect ranking list that would agree with that statement.

It could easily be 1a 1b 1c, and you have to keep the arms over Marte.

Rotoworld sums this up well...

It’s a sequence of events that may placate the media, but that doesn’t make it any less disturbing.

Edited by SoxScout, 22 January 2006 - 01:28 AM.

[templeUsox]

People really think Cleveland is going to throw a prospect into this trade? Hah. Even if they do, it won't be Adam Miller. And after Miller, their system is pretty blah. Do you want Michael Aubrey the underachieving 1st round pick? Or Jeremy Sowers, a soft-tossing lefty with 3 starter potential? They might have some high ceiling guys, but those players won't be in their top 10.

[Sullysox]

It could easily be 1a 1b 1c, and you have to keep the arms over Marte.

Really? Why?

Let see, we trade un-proven minor league talent with a potential for greatness for a proven, very good, young cheap major league player that we control for 4+ years who plays a position we have a great need at.

Crisp is a Super-Two and will make around $3MM in 2006. Not that cheap. And here's what we know about him. He's a very good defensive left-fielder that will be charged with playing centerfield. He's an .800 OPS type by virtue of a high batting average and more specifically, a high BABIP. He's a good player. Maybe a very good player, but the Sox just parted with their best hitting prospect in fifteen years for him, and I think it sucks.

[Manny's Hammies]

If this trade is indeed true, as much as I'm a little disappointed not to see Marte develop in the Sox system, I'm excited to see Crisp in Boston. The idea of having a guy like Crisp seems very much part of "The Theo Plan" -- signed cheaply through 2009, huge upside, great name. And don't be surprised if all the Jeremy Reed stuff was smoke, folks.

Coco Crisp: sounds like the Red Sox just got their new fan favorite.

[woofer]

People really think Cleveland is going to throw a prospect into this trade? Hah.  Even if they do, it won't be Adam Miller.  And after Miller, their system is pretty blah.  Do you want Michael Aubrey the underachieving 1st round pick? Or Jeremy Sowers, a soft-tossing lefty with 3 starter potential?  They might have some high ceiling guys, but those players won't be in their top 10.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm just hoping they do... I'd take Garko for sure.

Anyone else find it interesting that this is the same trade that was rumored to be close to done in mid-December when the Tribe was going after Nomar? It lends some credibility to the deal as reported.

a look back

[Dennis Upperdeckersley]

Nobody should be surprised by the crappiness of this deal. We were not dealing from a position of power. As soon as Johnny left and we had no Plan B we were exposed. That said, I am surprised we were even able to get someone of Crisp's caliber. At least we aren't going into '06 with Stern at the top spot of the CF depth chart.

[bowiac]

I'm in the "Nay" column for this trade.

Why? Because is the difference between Michaels and Crisp really worth Marte? I see no reason to believe it is.

That's what it comes down to, that the Phillies appear to be willing to trade Michaels for a middle reliever, and that Michaels might not even be a downgrade for 2006 relative to Crisp for the Indians in this deal.

I'm sure I'll feel better with time, but right now, I just feel sick from this deal. This is the worst trade I can recall the Sox making in the Henry ownership.

I'm hoping against hope, and to an extent, even believing, that there's more to this than Mazz reported.

[EricM80]

From Chris Snow's story in the Globe from yesterday:

The Indians would send Crisp to Boston along with two other players/prospects

Now obviously this could have changed, but it still appears like the Sox could be getting more than just Crisp. Or at least the was the case.



http://www.boston.co...ans_to_a_crisp/

[BigMike]

If this deal happens as reported my biggest dissapointment would be that the Sox didn't find some way to bring both Crisp and Michaels to Boston, since I think both are needed

It will be intersting to see if there is anything else in the deal. the Sox may throw more in, but unless it is another top 5 guy then no big deal. Maybe the Indians do throw something interesting in.

[reggiecleveland]

Well atleast Edgar's gone.

I don't like it just like I didn't like trading Murton for Eyechart. Hitting prospects have way more chance of paying off than pitchers.

[SoxScout]

He's an .800 OPS type by virtue of a high batting average and more specifically, a high BABIP.

What's wrong with a .315 BABIP when he has sustained that level his whole career? It's not like he is Damon with a pre ASB BABIP of .370.

Shandler has him as a .330 BABIP, but he uses the formula that doesn't adjust for SH+SF.

And personally I would rather have a stud SP prospect than a 3b.. at least for trade value.

Edited by SoxScout, 22 January 2006 - 01:55 AM.

[k-factory]

this is a steal for the indians. we should wait and see whether there are other moving parts coming to us but boy it seems like a big a gamble to trade away a 22!!! year old projected middle of the lineup 3B. Outfielders, even very good ones are more abundant a supply than power hitting 3B.

Crisp fits the prototypical centerfielder/leadoff hitter bill, though ironically he did neither in 05 for the Indians.
That feeds the general public's perception of whats needed but I find it odd for this FO to not have faith in Youks and Loretta for that job.
And if Michaels could be had for just a reliever.....

[EdJurak85]

Coco Crisp has pieces of Jason Michaels in his stool. I remember a player a lot like Jason Michaels. His name was Kevin Romine. I like this trade. Gotta give up something to get something, and I guess it had to be Marte, the one unproven commodity.

[MikeGreenwell]

But couldn't you make the argument that the Sox did not want to overpay for potentially the decline years of Damon, while they may have just acquired a guy like Crisp who is just entering his peak?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sure, you can make that argument, but its not like Crisp has ever put up any numbers as good as Damon's yet. And someone could counter with the argument that Damon might continue to be as superior over Crisp in '06-07 as Crisp will be over Damon in '08-09. And by those last two pre-FA years, the gap between Crisp's salary and Damon's salary also won't be that great -- the guy is already a Super-2 player this year.

I don't get where Crisp suddenly became a probable league star in everyone's eyes -- it's not like he was ever a highly touted prospect, frankly he's already acheived more than what most scouts projected for him, why is everyone convinced he has such additional significant upside?

Edited by MikeGreenwell, 22 January 2006 - 02:03 AM.

[Paradigm]

Now, I believe there were reports that argued contrary to this lingering rumor of a Marte injury (arm I believe? maybe the elbow?) But is it possible that the Red Sox have diagnosed something irregular with Marte's health and are dealing him while the dealing is good?

the Golden Sombrero -- you can expect an update tomorrow

[EricM80]

Sure, you can make that argument, but its not like Crisp has ever put up any numbers as good as Damon's yet.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Crisp in 2005: 119 OPS+

Damon in 2005: 113 OPS+

[Vermonter At Large]

It's an hour into this "deal" and so far, none of the national outlets have picked up on it, so I'm still hoping its spurious.

I really think the Sox are overrating Crisp, I really do. I know there's a possibility that Marte will never pan out, but for me it upsets the whole fabric of the universe of "retooling." I am fairly convinced that Lowell is going to bomb in Boston, and having Marte as a "safety net" was a brilliant thing. Now, if Lowell sucks, the Sox are going to be looking for a replacement 3B in July. What's that going to cost - Lester? Papelbon?

If the Sox are going to try to match the MFYs in the roto game, they are going to not only lose, but guarantee mediocrity for another five years.

I hate this move.

[Alacoldart]

I see a lot of people keep saying, "If Michaels could have been had for just a reliever, Boston should have done that." I think if was "just" a reliever, Boston would have done that. That leads me to believe that the Phillies didn't want "just" a reliever, but rather one of a specific (small) group. If Rafael Betancourt, Arthur Rhodes, and David Riske were the three pitchers they wished to choose from - and, let's face it, any one of them (with the possible exception of Rhodes) has greater value at this current time than Guillermo Mota or Keith Foulke (and we know the Sox aren't trading Papelbon for anything short of a Mark Prior or a Roy Halladay) - then there was no way the Red Sox were going to get in on Michaels.

However, the Red Sox still needed an OF to fill a starting slot and Cleveland had what they wanted while the Red Sox had what Cleveland wanted: a replacement for Aaron Boone if he sucks or a valuable trade chip for this season's deadline. Since the Indians are likely giving up a valuable bullpen arm and are the strongest member of the trade (least to lose, most to gain), they have the right to demand to keep BOTH prospects and trade away the older OF (though still very good) while taking the risk that it may cost them a few wins when all is said and done.

Philly gets the arm they wanted plus a backup in Mota (by the sounds of it, since I don't think they pull the trigger if the Indians get Marte, Michaels, AND Mota...although if that is the case and I missed that, I'm sorry). Cleveland gets a top prospect and a replacement for Crisp. Boston gets Crisp and probably a prospect/arm from Philly or Cleveland.

If, however, the Red Sox wind up with just Crisp for Mota and Marte, I'll join the others that are slightly miffed at this trade.

However, it all still breaks down to the fact that the Red Sox didn't have the arms Philly was looking for, but the Tribe did and the three teams got together. I'd like to believe our New and Improve Front Office wouldn't let themselves get fleeced, so I'm waiting until I see everything done.

Right now this is a trade in principle...but until everything officially changes hands, it's still a possibility it could fall apart.

[bowiac]

Coco Crisp has pieces of Jason Michaels in his stool.  I remember a player a lot like Jason Michaels.  His name was Kevin Romine.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What is your basis for saying this?

Michaels hit significantly better than Crisp did last year. Kevin Romine has no more relevance to this discussion than Trot Nixon does in discussion about Hank Aaron.

I guess it had to be Marte, the one unproven commodity.

What do you mean the one unproven commodity? The Sox have 5 top prospects, all of them unproven...

[bowiac]

Now, I believe there were reports that argued contrary to this lingering rumor of a Marte injury (arm I believe?  maybe the elbow?)  But is it possible that the Red Sox have diagnosed something irregular with Marte's health and are dealing him while the dealing is good?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's not really the Sox style, nor would such a deal hold up.

[Alacoldart]

Now, if Lowell sucks, the Sox are going to be looking  for a replacement 3B in July.  What's that going to cost - Lester?  Papelbon?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They have a replacement: his name is Kevin Youkilis. Petagine or Snow would take over full-time duties at 1B or platoon, probably. Or the Sox trade for an okay starting 1B and keep Snow as the late-innings defensive replacement. If Lowell's glove remains outstanding, he's still a trade option for any team looking to shore-up it's infield D at the deadline.

[EricM80]

I don't get where Crisp suddenly became a probable league star in everyone's eyes -- it's not like he was ever a highly touted prospect, frankly he's already acheived more than what most scouts projected for him, why is everyone convinced he has such additional significant upside?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where did anyone proclaim that Crisp is suddenly going to become a star? And even if they did it would not be that silly of a claim, considering he is just 26 and ranked fourth in VORP among AL left fielders last year.

What is silly is people already claiming that this is Jeff Bagwell Part 2.

[Max Venerable]

But is it possible that the Red Sox have diagnosed something irregular with Marte's health and are dealing him while the dealing is good?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think a lot is possible that we do not know yet, or may never know for that matter. It's possible we don't have the whole story on this trade yet. You think?

I'm going to wait until the smoke clears on this thing before I condemn all involved. I offer this as a suggestion to others as well.

[BigMike]

Now, I believe there were reports that argued contrary to this lingering rumor of a Marte injury (arm I believe?  maybe the elbow?)  But is it possible that the Red Sox have diagnosed something irregular with Marte's health and are dealing him while the dealing is good?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good Lord people.

People have spent weeks mocking Tampa for these rumors. Now it appears the Sox may have traded him, and people on this board are going to start rumors just to make themselves feel better

The Indians top prospect list is not released by BA until Monday. If the trade gets completed in time I wonder if BA will adjust the list. Marte would absolutely be the first to top 3 teams lists in one year

[E5 Yaz]

It's an hour into this "deal" and so far, none of the national outlets have picked up on it, so I'm still hoping its spurious. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

otherwise known as ... "here's your payback right here, CHB"

i've never been one to decided thumbs up or thumbs down on a deal the moment it's made.

i'm sad we might not get a chance to see marte in a sox unform, and i'm hoping that any other players heading to cleveland won't make us head for the mystic.

but, crisp is a good player and not a mid-career stopgap journeyman, so i don't believe it's as bleak as some are reacting.

you just can't make instant decisions about trades with any certainty, in my view.

[g0wave]

But couldn't you make the argument that the Sox did not want to overpay for potentially the decline years of Damon, while they may have just acquired a guy like Crisp who is just entering his peak?

I don't really think this deal hurts their youth moment. Crisp is only 26. They have Beckett who is only 25. Hansen, Papelbon, Lester, etc. are all in their early to mid-20s. They have quite a few young guys that can make an impact either this year or in the near future.

I am not happy to trade Marte, but it goes back to the old saying "You have to give up value to get value." The Braves probably did not want to part with Marte, but they felt like they had to in order to fill their hole at shortstop.

Similarly, the Sox had a gaping hole in CF, and while I am sure they were not thrilled to part with Marte, they had to bite the bullet and do so anyways.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But you see they didn't have to part with Marte. We could obviously had Michaels for much less... if this trade comes through as reported, I'm horribly confused why the Sox didn't go get Michaels and give up less instead.

Crisp will be tremendous in Boston and I like his power #'s but heck, Michaels would have been more than respecful in center for the Sox and Marte would still be a part of the organization. I just need to hold my breath, go to bed, and see what ALL the parts of this deal are in the morning.

I SINCERELY hope this deal doesn't get any worse for the Sox.

edit: Guys, we have up Hanley - who doesn't rate nearly as high as Marte - for Josh Beckett... Marte for Crisp. Geesh.

Edited by g0wave, 22 January 2006 - 02:24 AM.

[MikeGreenwell]

Where did anyone proclaim that Crisp is suddenly going to become a star? And even if they did it would not be that silly of a claim, considering he is just 26 and ranked fourth in VORP among AL left fielders last year.

What is silly is people already claiming that this is Jeff Bagwell Part 2.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So you're saying you DON'T think Crisp is going to become a star player -- yet you still think it's a good trade? Why?

The only reason I can see to like the idea of trading a Top 10 MLB prospect and a solid bullpen arm for Crisp is if you think the "still young" player you're getting back is likely to be a star. If you're not expecting Crisp to put up better numbers over the next few years than he did in '05 then I really don't understand how you think this is a good deal.

What is silly is people already claiming that this is Jeff Bagwell Part 2.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From am outgoing talent perspective, it's actually far worse. Bagwell was never considered anywhere near the prospect that Marte currently is when he was traded.

Edited by MikeGreenwell, 22 January 2006 - 02:23 AM.

[MikeGreenwell]

Crisp in 2005: 119 OPS+

Damon in 2005: 113 OPS+

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You mean the '05 season where Damon spent most of the second half playing injured? How about you compare their numbers for the previous year and a half when they were both healthy?

[EdJurak85]

So you're saying you DON'T think Crisp is going to become a star player -- yet you still think it's a good trade?  Why?

The only reason I can see to like the idea of trading a Top 10 MLB prospect and a solid bullpen arm for Crisp is if you think the "still young" player you're getting back is likely to be a star.  If you're not expecting Crisp to put up better numbers over the next few years than he did in '05 then I really don't understand how you think this is a good deal.
From am outgoing talent perspective, it's actually far worse.  Bagwell was never considered anywhere near the prospect that Marte currently is when he was traded.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

giggle giggle at this entire post. Oh, my, tomorrow and Monday should be fun reading of you Chicken Littles.

[SoxScout]

You mean the '05 season where Damon spent most of the second half playing injured?

and the first half of the year he was the luckiest batter in baseball.

Edited by SoxScout, 22 January 2006 - 02:37 AM.

[EricM80]

So you're saying you DON'T think Crisp is going to become a star player -- yet you still think it's a good trade?  Why?

traded.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It depends upon your definition of a star.

Do I think he will put up numbers like Vlad, Manny or Pujols? No. But I don't think it's a stretch to say that he will put up better numbers than Damon over the next four years.

I think it's a good trade because I don't like the idea of Adam Stern starting in CF. I think it's a good trade because Jason Michaels has not shown the ability to be a full-time player so I am not sure he is a great option either. And looking at who is going to be available next offseason in CF, I would much rather have a guy like Crisp signed for the next few years than sign one of the stiffs on the free agent market.

[EricM80]

giggle giggle at this entire post.  Oh, my, tomorrow and Monday should be fun reading of you Chicken Littles.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually, on Monday they will be at Cooperstown for Andy Marte's induction speech.

[67WasBest]

Hate losing Marte, but welcome Cocoa. Not crazy about Gonzalez but I suppose we have enough draft picks to forfeit one of ours for the sake of stability in 06.

Now let's gat that 2006 roster evaluation thread started!

[Paradigm]

It's all too unfortunate if true and seems to subjugate the FO's mentality for the past few seasons of not deferring future talent for present success. I know that Coco Crisp is an achieving major league center fielder, and this might be a stretch, but I think there's a comparison to be drawn between minor league prospects and finance -- Jim Cramer (CNBC's Mad Money host) always posits that there's never anything wrong with selling and taking a profit -- and if the Sox are dealing uncertainty for something more constant, then I can certainly see the merit in the trade.

Another note: on the Cot's Contracts page, I can't tell if Mike Lowell's 2009 season kicks in automatically. If it does, it might mean quite a bit more about Andy Marte and Lowell's role on the team for the next two seasons, not just one.

In the end though, if the trade completes, I guess I'm just a bit forlorn that we won't see Marte through to fruition in a Sox uni.

the Golden Sombrero -- expect an update tomorrow, readers.

[SoxScout]

Globe has nothing on the trade

It appears that both teams would like to resolve this situation in the next week and a half, given that pitchers and catchers report to spring training in less than four weeks. The major impediment is that Cleveland lacks a player ready to step into left field if it deals Crisp. Cleveland doesn't appear able to do a stand-alone deal with the Sox.

That has raised the possibility of a potential third or fourth team being involved. Of course, the more teams involved, and the larger the deal, the more difficult it becomes to complete.

Crisp, if obtained, would be under the Sox' contractual control for four seasons before becoming a free agent. He's likely to command about $3 million this year and probably close to $20 million over the next four seasons, vs. the $52 million Johnny Damon will make with the Yankees.

However, obtaining Crisp would cost the Sox their top prospect, a player widely regarded across baseball as an elite prospect with power who should be ready to play full time by 2007. The Indians, meanwhile, have 32-year-old third baseman Aaron Boone signed for this season, with a mutual option for 2007.

Edited by SoxScout, 22 January 2006 - 02:36 AM.