2005 Trades Analysis
From SoSH
Contents |
Overview
The Red Sox were involved in several trades throughout the 2005 season.
Preseason
During Season
After Season
Sanchez, Delgado, Garcia, and Ramirez for Beckett, Mota, and Lowell
On November 24th, the Red Sox acquired RHPs Josh Beckett and Guillermo Mota and 3B Mike Lowell from Florida for RHPs Anibal Sanchez, Jesus Delgado, Harvey Garcia and SS Hanley Ramirez.
At the time, both Hanley and Anibal were top ten prospects in the Red Sox system. Hanley was viewed as a potential superstar, though his performance in the minors did not quite live up to the hype. Anibal started the 2005 season with a series of dominant performances in A-ball, with a high number of K's and a low WHIP and ERA. He tailed off slightly towards the end of the season, but otherwise nothing that damaged views about his future (possible number 1/2/3 starter). At the time Ramirez was blocked by Edgar Renteria at shortstop, who had just been signed to a four year deal. Delgado and Garcia were mainly B-level prospects.
Josh Beckett was viewed as the prize of the trade. He was a number one pitcher for the Florida Marlins, despite being only 25 and having struggled with blisters (he had never pitched a whole season without going on the DL). Some speculated that his reputation was built mainly on dominant performances in the postseason that the Marlins won the world series, though batters have consistently remarked that Beckett has some of the best "stuff" in the game.
Beckett's Stats (as of 8/2/06):
| Team | Year | W | L | G | GS | CG | SHO | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | HBP | ERA | ERA+ | VORP | H/BIP | K/BB | K/9 |
| Florida | 2005 | 15 | 8 | 29 | 29 | 2 | 1 | 187.7 | 153 | 75 | 67 | 14 | 58 | 166 | 7 | 3.38 | |||||
| Boston | 2006 | 13 | 5 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 134.4 | 121 | 76 | 71 | 28 | 46 | 112 | 4.76 |
Mike Lowell was viewed as a salary dump, having come off a terrible year at the plate, though he still played Gold Glove caliber defense at 3B. Two years before, Lowell had been a very good "doubles" hitter, with an average around 0.300.
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Guillermo Mota was a late addition to the trade, coming after the Red Sox had a thorough look at Beckett's medical report. Supposedly there was sufficient concern about Beckett's shoulder to almost nix the deal. Instead, the two sides agreed on the inculsion of another player, this being Mota. He had shown dominance in the minors and with the Dodgers, but he had struggled since (possibly due to injuries). Because of the subsequent trade for Coco Crisp, Mota never threw a pitch for the Red Sox.
Renteria for Marte
On December 8th, the Red Sox acquired Andy Marte (3B) from Atlanta for Edgar Renteria (SS) and cash. Renteria had three remaining years on his contract, worth a minimum of $29 million and as part of the trade the Red Sox agreed to pay Atlanta $3 million for each of the remaining 3 years, and $2 million if Atlanta opts to buyout Renteria's 2009 option. The reasoning was roughly that Renteria was viewed as playing old: bad back, poor defense, and declining hitting skills. Coupled with his contract, the Red Sox decided to sell before Renteria had possibly another bad season. After the trade, Renteria also admitted to being unhappy in Boston. His numbers before the trade to Atlanta:
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His numbers after the trade:
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Clearly, Renteria's performance in 2006 has been much better than 2005, but given his unhappiness in Boston, it is difficult to tell whether he would've done as well in Boston. Also important to consider is that the Red Sox cleared $18 million off their books, while Atlanta will be paying Renteria in 2008, when he is likely to be worse.
Andy Marte was viewed as a top ten prospect in all of baseball. He had been up to Atlanta and struggled somewhat, only slightly dimming his propsect status.
What is unclear is why the Red Sox traded away their top SS prospect (Hanley Ramirez) before then trading away the Renteria. This left a hole at SS and gave them two 3B (Kevin Youkilis and Marte). Of course, the Red Sox subsequently flipped Marte to Cleveland in a six player trade that landed Coco Crisp, a CF that they needed. However, the cost of Crisp was high because he was young, cost controlled, and everyone knew the Red Sox needed a CF after Johnny Damon signed with the MFY.
