Hot Stove Wishes

[Red(s)HawksFan]

We need a backup infielder who at the very least could play shortstop. I'd nominate Juan Uribe. The last five years, he's compiled a WAR of 11.4. He's had a 96 wRC+ and a 102 wRC+ against righties. He has a 19.7 UZR/150 at third base and a 3.2 UZR at shortstop.
 
Wilson Betemit is also somewhat interesting because of his 126 wRC+ against righties (last five years). He'd be an all-bat platoon option for Middlebrooks and/or Bogaerts. He's not very good defensively though.

 
The Sox do already have a backup infielder on the roster who hits left-handed and can play SS by the name of Brock Holt.  Obviously, they could upgrade over him, but Uribe would be expensive for whatever improvement over Holt he'd represent, and Betemit hasn't played an inning at SS since 2008.

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

Betemit is a platoon DH masquerading as a switching-hitting utility player. No thanks.
 
Uribe is intriguing. He hasn't played significant innings at shortstop since 2010, so I'm not sure how viable an option he is for extended duty there. But he is exactly the kind of versatile two-way veteran that it would be useful to have backing up the kids on the left side of the infield. I bet he'll get more attractive offers, though, from teams like the Yankees who actually need (or at least stand a pretty high likelihood of needing) a starting 3B.
 
From what we saw of Holt last year, I just don't see him as anything beyond AAAA emergency filler. He might be a viable UIF on a team where all the infield spots were going to be manned by established players, but that's not this team. He might turn out to be what we have to live with, but it's worth looking for somebody who offers a little more.

 

[Doctor G]

We need a backup infielder who at the very least could play shortstop. I'd nominate Juan Uribe. The last five years, he's compiled a WAR of 11.4. He's had a 96 wRC+ and a 102 wRC+ against righties. He has a 19.7 UZR/150 at third base and a 3.2 UZR at shortstop.
 
Wilson Betemit is also somewhat interesting because of his 126 wRC+ against righties (last five years). He'd be an all-bat platoon option for Middlebrooks and/or Bogaerts. He's not very good defensively though.

Uribe is probably looking for a fulltime starting slot. something like LAA

 

[MakMan44]

According to reports he's also seeking a 3 year deal right now. He'll probably get at least two, which I don't think the Sox will be willing to give him

 

[Brohamer of the Gods]

Betemit is a platoon DH masquerading as a switching-hitting utility player. No thanks.
 
Uribe is intriguing. He hasn't played significant innings at shortstop since 2010, so I'm not sure how viable an option he is for extended duty there. But he is exactly the kind of versatile two-way veteran that it would be useful to have backing up the kids on the left side of the infield. I bet he'll get more attractive offers, though, from teams like the Yankees who actually need (or at least stand a pretty high likelihood of needing) a starting 3B.
 
From what we saw of Holt last year, I just don't see him as anything beyond AAAA emergency filler. He might be a viable UIF on a team where all the infield spots were going to be manned by established players, but that's not this team. He might turn out to be what we have to live with, but it's worth looking for somebody who offers a little more.

I think Brock Holt's biggest value is his name sounds like he should be a 1950s B-movie actor, playing tough cops and Army sergeants.

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

Or one of the porn actors in Boogie Nights ..

 

[Brohamer of the Gods]

Once those cop roles dried up, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

 

[Hoplite]

Do people consider Brock Holt to be a legitimate option for the bench?

 

[Drek717]

Do people consider Brock Holt to be a legitimate option for the bench?

We had Pedro Ciriaco as the MI for parts of the last two years, I don't see how Holt is a worse option.  He's hit far better in the minors, and had an incredibly low BABIP in his brief ML opportunities so I wouldn't put too much faith in that small sample.
 
I mean, a legitimate option for a ML bench spot isn't a very high bar to clear.  Is he someone you would feel good about having on the bench?  Of course not because there is little reason to believe he could handle the full time job at any infield position well long term, unless the crazy BABIP numbers from his previous minor league seasons carry over to the majors.  But guys like Uribe won't take backup roles.
 
I don't think he's any worse than any of the free agent options.  At least he's cheap and looks like a more or less passable fielder, with just a dash of offensive upside.  If Johnny Peralta wants to sign here as the utility guy and compete with WMB for time at 3B I'd be all for it, but I don't see that happening.  If the alternatives are then guys like Wilson Betemit I'd just as soon go with Holt, knowing that when he sucks and they've got to make a change at least they didn't piss real money down the drain.
 
Don't get me wrong, I'd love something better.  But Holt is cast from the same form as many a career utility infielder.  Hell, he's hit better in the minors than most of the guys who make long careers as utility guys (DeRosa, Punto, Cora, etc.).  If Christian Colon or someone of that sort is unprotected in the Rule 5 draft and slides down to the Sox I'm all for grabbing them and sending Holt to AAA to shore up depth and have more shit to throw at the wall, but if they end up with Holt and some veteran who couldn't land a ML contract its not significantly different.

 

[Niastri]

I think the Red Sox have determined that extra draft picks through QO's are the current market inequity of which they can take advantage.  I think "pillow contracts" may be something they plan to use for at least a couple years before the rest of the market catches up.  It worked splendidly with Drew and Napoli and Beltre (same concept pre QO era).  It might work with Peavy this year. 
 
What free agents could we possibly get for reasonable, short money deals that could turn into QO draft picks in the next few years.  I didn't exhaustively research this, but Corey Hart seems like a no brainer.  His three year averages (from '10-'12) were 141 GP, 31 2B, 29 HR, .343 OBP and .514 SLG, good for 127 OPS+.  He played RF and 1B badly, but not catastrophically.  He only has played 105 games at 1B, so seems like he could learn to play much better than he has in the past.
 
If this was the off season before '13 and Hart wasn't injured, he would have absolutely been getting a nice hefty contract that earned his previous team a QO draft pick.  However, because he missed all of '13, he could probably be had for a nice low pillow contract for one year.  We can plug him in at 1B starter and backup RF and keep Carp in his current role.  I am as high on Carp's performance this past year as most, but Hart will give us insurance for the outfield as well as DH and 1B. 
 
Because of the low risk contract that Hart will command this offseason, he is low in risk, but extremely high in potential upside.  If we can get 50 XBH and a .330 OBP out of him during his pillow year, he will have been worth it due to how he helped the team.  If we get his production from his last three healthy years, ~ 60 XBH and .343 OBP, he will net a draft pick through the QO.  If he is only slightly above replacement, he will be part of our deep depth and could have his moments, and he won't block us going forward.  If he is below replacement, the Sox can dump him at little risk.
 
My current number one wish for this offseason is Napoli's QO draft pick and Corey Hart on a 1/12 type contract. A dramatic one year overpay, but not at crazy as many would think considering what Young just got.  Hart's average year his last 3 he has played was 3.1 bWAR, which is worth at least a QO on the open market. 
 
RH Victorino  R
2B Pedroia R
DH Ortiz L
1B Hart R
LF Nava/Gomes S
SS Bogaerts R
3B Middlebrooks R
C Ross/Lavarnway R
CF Bradley L
 
Bench:
Carp
Gomes
Lavarway
Holt?
 
I worry only about the lack of Lefty hitters, but Carp and Nava help that a lot and potentially Victorino learning how to switch hit will help as well.  But the massive upside of Hart, Middlebrooks, Bogaerts and Bradley make this a lineup I wouldn't mind seeing in a "bridge year."
 
LHS Lester
RHS Buchholz
RHS Lackey
LHS Doubront
RHS Peavy
 
RHR Uehara
LHR Breslow
RHR Tazawa
RHR Badenhop
LHR Moralez
LHR Miller
RHR Workman
 
Dempster for a prospect to save a little cash and take advantage of our pitching depth and go to war.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[seantoo]

 
Agreed.  And there is risk involved in any decision.  There is risk involved in giving the starting CF job to Bradley; there is risk involved in giving Ellsbury 140 million dollars.  The former might entail less risk. . . .

Not next year, it does not. I'm high on JBJ but to assume he'll be anything more than league average, offensively, his first 2 years is not realistic. The Mike Trout's of the world, hitting the ground running, are rare. Even most stars struggle for a year or two before approaching their peak years. That is a small part of the reason why If Ellsbury leaves I'd like to replace some of the lost offense with an upgrade in either Choo or Beltran and play them in leftfield. I've seen a couple people here criticize Choo's defense, but that was miscast as a centerfielder last year, certainly in leftfield he'd be more than adequate and in rightfield he likely could back it up adequately. Beltran could fill the same roll but he's a different hitter. He'd be your 4 or 5 hitter while Choo would become your lead-off hitter. A lead off hitter whose a 20/20 man and who would have a better OBP than Ellsbury might not be able to directly effect a games outcome the way Jacoby could but his increase OBP could effect more games overall. With Choo or Beltran on left Nava would either be traded, at 30 Year old he likely had his career year and has not reached free agency thus he's a valuable trade chip or you keep him for OF depth and/or make him a part of a platoon at first with Carp in lieu of Napoli not being resigned.
At this point and time the two most important resigning of Red Sox to reach free agency clearly are Ellsbury and Salty. I think it's obvious why, the options likely represent a decent drop off. The one I think most likely to resign however is Napoli.

 

[lxt]

As McCann & Young are gone I think it's time for the Sox to sign Salty and Napoli. Let's for the moment forget for how much and how long. They need these two to provide offense, allow Salty to provide the staff with a catcher they are comfortable with and in Napoli's case play good defense. Sign Beltran to play LF for a couple of years. Beltran is a professional and an athlete and will prepare himself for a season. Beltran won't be able to hold down RF at Fenway but should do just fie in LF. His offense will help and from all that I've heard will be a great clubhouse addition.
 
The Lineup I envision:

• [SIZE=11pt]CF - JBJ[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=11pt]RF - Victorino[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=11pt]2B - Pedroia[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=11pt]DH - Ortiz[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=11pt]1B - Napoli[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=11pt]LF - Beltran[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=11pt]3B – Middlebrooks[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=11pt]SS – Bogaerts[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=11pt]C - Salty[/SIZE]

If JBJ is unable to produce in the leadoff spot then move him down before Salty and everyone else up one slot.

 

[LostinNJ]

Not next year, it does not. I'm high on JBJ but to assume he'll be anything more than league average, offensively, his first 2 years is not realistic. The Mike Trout's of the world, hitting the ground running, are rare. 

League average offense and outstanding defense at the major-league minimum salary? I'll take that any day.
 
People seem to think that to be an acceptable starting center fielder for the Red Sox in 2014, Bradley has to replace Ellsbury's production in the lineup, he has to hit leadoff, he has to be the second coming of Mike Trout. He doesn't have to do any of those things. He just has to play strong defense, contribute in whatever way he can to the offense, and continue to grow as a player.
 
Maybe there will be some growing pains as the team turns the page to the next generation of players. Can't we live with that? They just won a championship that nobody expected. Much better to take a step back in 2014 and let this impressive group of young players show what they can do than to sacrifice their development for the likes of Beltran. They had the wisdom to stick with Pedroia through a terrible September audition and a terrible April the next year. They need to show the same patience with Bradley.

 

[Drek717]

As McCann & Young are gone I think it's time for the Sox to sign Salty and Napoli. Let's for the moment forget for how much and how long. They need these two to provide offense,

Salty is in line for a massive BABIP regression in 2014.  Napoli needed a big last month surge to bring his numbers up to where they ended at.  I don't think either one is a lock to out-hit their in-house competition (Lavarnway and Carp).
 
Also, saying "damn the dollars, damn the years!" is a great way to derail the rebuild the team orchestrated so well starting with the Punto trade.  They'd be better off losing both Salty and Napoli than to overpay them.  There are options on the 40 man to replace both, there are free agent and trade targets that can replace both.  Overpaying expecting lighting to strike twice isn't a smart way to spend money.

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

Napoli needed a big last month surge to bring his numbers up to where they ended at. 

 
Wouldn't be it just as accurate to say he needed a big midsummer slump to bring his numbers down to where they ended at? I mean, yeah, he's streaky, we saw that. But treating only the hot streaks as suspect, in terms of what we can expect going forward, seems gratuitously glass-half-empty.

 

[Yelling At Clouds]

I like Napoli, and I guess I'd be ok with his return (although I wish this situation didn't remind me so much of Mike Lowell's after 2007). But I'd also like to see them at least investigate some longer-term solutions for first base since there aren't too many options on the farm and fewer and fewer good players are making it to free agency (seriously, look at this list and tell me if you see any position players out there who are worth free-agent money). Unfortunately, the only two names I've heard out there so far are Ike Davis and Mark Trumbo, and neither of those appeals to me. I would think the Cardinals would at least be listening on Matt Adams, but he's got issues of his own. Obviously we here have no idea what names GMs talk about, but is there any other possibility out there?

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

Salty is in line for a massive BABIP regression in 2014.  Napoli needed a big last month surge to bring his numbers up to where they ended at.  I don't think either one is a lock to out-hit their in-house competition (Lavarnway and Carp).
 
Also, saying "damn the dollars, damn the years!" is a great way to derail the rebuild the team orchestrated so well starting with the Punto trade.  They'd be better off losing both Salty and Napoli than to overpay them.  There are options on the 40 man to replace both, there are free agent and trade targets that can replace both.  Overpaying expecting lighting to strike twice isn't a smart way to spend money.

 
Would you really feel comfortable with putting all of your eggs in the Carp/Nava basket with zero track record other than last year? Not saying Carp can't be the answer at 1st but you always want to bring in competition. If Napoli doesn't come back then the next logical choice is Hart. If Hart goes elsewhere then you have to decide if Nava/Carp is the answer at 1st or maybe a MLFA such as LaPorta or a possible non tender like Garrett Jones or a trade. Lots of options out there, not many of those are real appealing. The only ones who you can look at as appealing are the players that you know can play in Boston. 
 
You mention lightning striking twice. What happens when Nava regresses next year? Do you bring Hassan up to platoon with Carp? Hassan doesn't have the bat at first. So now all of a sudden you improve the WAR for SS with Xander but you destroy it between the downgrade at catcher and 1st due to wanting to save an extra few dollars. I'm not opposed to them giving Lavarnway a shot worst case at catcher because there is a good chance with catcher being one of those positions where there isn't a whole lot of quality out there he would probably pass for league average. Napoli showed a great glove and his numbers overall were pretty good. I'd like them to bring Napoli and Salty back. Even if you give Salty 1/12 and sell him on going back on the market next year (that way you can rectify the horrid decision to not extend the QO) the Sox end up winning because he will be above league average. 

 

[CaskNFappin]

I think the rationale on SoSH is that none of the players currently locked up on our roster, especially those in AAA, will regress. However, we should stay away from all FAs because they will surely regress and their contracts will be enormous overpays!

I think some people get more pleasure out of rooting for us to find market efficiencies than they do from rooting for a 2014 World Series repeat.

Looking at the money coming off the books in the next couple years, I find it hard to believe that a 3 year deal for Salty, or a 4 year deal for Napoli, is going to derail the teams financial flexibility. Bring up the Punto trade all you want but those were long term contracts we unloaded in the 150mil range. You don't have to fool yourself into a case for Alex fuckin Hassan getting 400 PAs at 1B, in order to believe that we'll field a contending team from 2016-2020.

 
Would you really feel comfortable with putting all of your eggs in the Carp/Nava basket with zero track record other than last year? Not saying Carp can't be the answer at 1st but you always want to bring in competition. If Napoli doesn't come back then the next logical choice is Hart. If Hart goes elsewhere then you have to decide if Nava/Carp is the answer at 1st or maybe a MLFA such as LaPorta or a possible non tender like Garrett Jones or a trade. Lots of options out there, not many of those are real appealing. The only ones who you can look at as appealing are the players that you know can play in Boston. 
 
You mention lightning striking twice. What happens when Nava regresses next year? Do you bring Hassan up to platoon with Carp? Hassan doesn't have the bat at first. So now all of a sudden you improve the WAR for SS with Xander but you destroy it between the downgrade at catcher and 1st due to wanting to save an extra few dollars. I'm not opposed to them giving Lavarnway a shot worst case at catcher because there is a good chance with catcher being one of those positions where there isn't a whole lot of quality out there he would probably pass for league average. Napoli showed a great glove and his numbers overall were pretty good. I'd like them to bring Napoli and Salty back. Even if you give Salty 1/12 and sell him on going back on the market next year (that way you can rectify the horrid decision to not extend the QO) the Sox end up winning because he will be above league average. 

 

[LostinNJ]

I think the rationale on SoSH is that none of the players currently locked up on our roster, especially those in AAA, will regress. However, we should stay away from all FAs because they will surely regress and their contracts will be enormous overpays!

Well, the general pattern is that players in their early 20's improve, and players in their mid-30's decline. It's possible that by the last year of his next contract, Carlos Beltran will not be as good a player as Jackie Bradley Junior.

 

[Hoplite]

I think the rationale on SoSH is that none of the players currently locked up on our roster, especially those in AAA, will regress. However, we should stay away from all FAs because they will surely regress and their contracts will be enormous overpays!

I think some people get more pleasure out of rooting for us to find market efficiencies than they do from rooting for a 2014 World Series repeat.

Looking at the money coming off the books in the next couple years, I find it hard to believe that a 3 year deal for Salty, or a 4 year deal for Napoli, is going to derail the teams financial flexibility. Bring up the Punto trade all you want but those were long term contracts we unloaded in the 150mil range. You don't have to fool yourself into a case for Alex fuckin Hassan getting 400 PAs at 1B, in order to believe that we'll field a contending team from 2016-2020.
 

 
It's not that Salty would destroy our financial flexibility, it's that he'd be a waste of our resources. We could spend $9 million a year on Salty, who's a liability defensively and is projected to hit for something like a 96 wRC+ (Steamer) or we could spend $2 million to sign someone like George Kottaras, who is not quite as bad defensively and is projected to hit for something like a 97 wRC+ (Steamer). We could then use the $7 million difference to improve the team elsewhere and hedge against some of our younger players struggling or regressing.

 

[selahsean]

Salty is in line for a massive BABIP regression in 2014.  Napoli needed a big last month surge to bring his numbers up to where they ended at.  I don't think either one is a lock to out-hit their in-house competition (Lavarnway and Carp).
 
Also, saying "damn the dollars, damn the years!" is a great way to derail the rebuild the team orchestrated so well starting with the Punto trade.  They'd be better off losing both Salty and Napoli than to overpay them.  There are options on the 40 man to replace both, there are free agent and trade targets that can replace both.  Overpaying expecting lighting to strike twice isn't a smart way to spend money.

 
A season full of Lavarnway and Carp is also a pretty good way to end up an 85 win team for the sake of a bridge year and with no apparent bridge at 1st place this seems like an awful idea.  It's one thing to say there are few agent / trade targets that are better, but what's concretely available at this point doesn't strike me as world's better than Salty or Napoli.  It's not like either of these guy's are blocking some stud prospect.  Sign them for what the market will pay them and be done with it.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

 
It's not that Salty would destroy our financial flexibility, it's that he'd be a waste of our resources. We could spend $9 million a year on Salty, who's a liability defensively and is projected to hit for something like a 96 wRC+ (Steamer) or we could spend $2 million to sign someone like George Kottaras, who is not quite as bad defensively and is projected to hit for something like a 97 wRC+ (Steamer). We could then use the $7 million difference to improve the team elsewhere and hedge against some of our younger players struggling or regressing.

 
On the flipside who profiles as a higher bust candidate for next year? Kottaras or Salty? Its not as easy as looking at just wRC+ as much as looking at a few other things such as who is familiar with the pitching staff. Where would you use the $7 million dollar difference? Say if the Red Sox have $34 million to spend. Lets use your plan for example. This scenario Carp is the 1st baseman with Nava and your scenario about Kottaras becoming the starting catcher. So before arbitration cases the Boston Red Sox would only add 8 million dollars in new salary. If they run with Lavarnway/Ross combo and forget Kottaras then the Red Sox before arbitration cases would only be responsible for $6 million give or take. 
 
Badenhop $2 million
Kottaras $2 million
Platoon OFer (Guiterrez?) $4 Million
 
This is really one of those situations where the Sox don't need to spend a lot on their roster because of the internal options they already have. However, its an extremely unlikely scenario because the Boston Red Sox aren't the Oakland A's, Tampa Rays, KC Royals, or the Minnesota Twins as the majority of the fans would prefer. They're going to spend up to the 34 million that they already have not to mention they'll probably make a trade to relieve the salary of Dempster or Peavy. They won't open the season with a 130 - 140 million payroll especially after a WS title and allowing their most dynamic hitter to leave town. 
 
Its funny that people are taking this approach. Usually after winning a World Series people want to see a repeat. On here we're hoping for an 85 win squad that serves as a bridge year to 2015-2016. 

 

[CaskNFappin]

Exactly! The same exact folks are also conveniently forgetting or dismissing that ALL of JBJ, WMB, Nava, Carp, Hassan, and the rest of our unproven commodities could wind up being mediocre at best.

2013 doesn't mean we should take our foot off the gas. Lets see how people feel about .500 in July if we decide to give all the kids a try and they collectively fail. I'd say we focus on a present dynasty knowing we have plenty of room to maneuver compared to the pre-Punto trade. Ortiz won't be here forever and is be willing to bet that his replacement in the lineup will not be as fearsome. We don't have to hand out mega contracts like candy, but lets not get too cute hoping for guys like Kotteras to be part of a playoff contender.

 

[LostinNJ]

Why are we talking about a Nava/Carp platoon at first base? Nava is nominally a switch-hitter, but he hits much better against RHP. Don't teams platoon to get, you know, an advantage?

 

[LeoCarrillo]

Its funny that people are taking this approach. Usually after winning a World Series people want to see a repeat. On here we're hoping for an 85 win squad that serves as a bridge year to 2015-2016. 

 
Ells is probably gone, and Papi just turned 38.
 
Ells and two one-year loaner QO guys may now net us three + our own 1st rounder = four draft picks in the first 35 or so.
 
And our farm is fat. The Yankees suck. Let it breathe and see what we've got with the kids.
 
(Sign one guy, preferably Nap)

 

[CaskNFappin]

I'm no expert this, but wouldn't draft pool size negatively impact the awesomeness of 3 sandwich round picks in one draft. In other words, wouldn't it dilute the talent we have to select as opposed to throwing a ton at 1 guy?

 

[Kid T]

Why are we talking about a Nava/Carp platoon at first base? Nava is nominally a switch-hitter, but he hits much better against RHP. Don't teams platoon to get, you know, an advantage?

I think that's probably the worst case scenario.  The more likely action if Napoli  signs elsewhere is Cherington picking up the phone and offering Corey Hart a nice 1 year deal.
 
As for Salty, I think the people need to ask if they can live with his defense if his offense regresses (which seems likely based on his career norms).  People can point to pitchers being comfortable throwing to Salty, but how many pitchers will throw their catcher under the bus?  Notwithstanding, does this preclude pitchers from developing chemistry and comfort with a different catcher like Dioner Navarro? 
 
Edit: The nice thing about signing lower cost options is that they might work out.  If they don't and the Sox are still competitive, they have the prospects to make trades.  In fact, the compensatory draft picks make it easier to part with prospects with the knowledge that we have others on the way.

 

[LeoCarrillo]

I'm no expert this, but wouldn't draft pool size negatively impact the awesomeness of 3 sandwich round picks in one draft. In other words, wouldn't it dilute the talent we have to select as opposed to throwing a ton at 1 guy?


I'm not sure what you're asking. Keep in mind that QO signings shrink the first round.

 

[MakMan44]

I'm not sure what you're asking. Keep in mind that QO signings shrink the first round.

I think he's asking if they'd get worse picks at, let's say 27, 29 and 30 rather than just 28 where we can the absolute best player and pay them whatever it takes to sign them. Either that or he thinks that we may not be able sign a few guys because our draft pool will be too small.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

 
Ells is probably gone, and Papi just turned 38.
 
Ells and two one-year loaner QO guys may now net us three + our own 1st rounder = four draft picks in the first 35 or so.
 
And our farm is fat. The Yankees suck. Let it breathe and see what we've got with the kids.
 
(Sign one guy, preferably Nap)

 
I agree with the thinking here. But we already have two "kids" in WMB and X starting, 1 that will be JBJ, and Britton/Workman taking on more of a role next season. 5 pretty important roles will probably be filled by rookies/2nd full year guys. That is good enough for 2014. You can't have too much youth on the team all at once and expect to contend. 

 

[Mike F]

potentially

 
I suspect that if there was any likelihood of Gomes being even half-decent at 1B, he'd already have played at least a few ML innings there by now. It's not like they've been holding off trying it because he's too valuable in the outfield. And when I think about what makes Gomes a bad OF, now that I've watched him for a year, it's not mostly about range (not good, but not notably awful) or arm (actually pretty good). It's his lack of coordination and agility--the hard hands, the awkward, lunging routes. I have a feeling he would make an epochally awful 1B.
 
Hassan's an interesting option, though.[/quote]

Agree with Hilly as Jim Rice comes to mind.
Don't mind Hassan get a shot if Napoli goes elsewhere.
I'll miss the Young option if Ellsbury signs elsewhere.

 

[Doctor G]

I  don't see why the Sox should lock themselves into Gomes.  I just think Rajai Davis gives you a lot more versatility and equal offense. 
Jonny was just  what the doctor ordered in 2013. For 2014 they need to replace the base running threat that Ells provided.

 

[MakMan44]

I  don't see why the Sox should lock themselves into Gomes.  I just think Rajai Davis gives you a lot more versatility and equal offense. 
Jonny was just  what the doctor ordered in 2013. For 2014 they need to replace the base running threat that Ells provided.

What about Berry? I also don't think Davis brings "equal offense", Gomes is a much more potent offensive threat.

 

[BosRedSox5]

I  don't see why the Sox should lock themselves into Gomes.  I just think Rajai Davis gives you a lot more versatility and equal offense. 
Jonny was just  what the doctor ordered in 2013. For 2014 they need to replace the base running threat that Ells provided.

 
He's signed for $5 million next season. The team can't just dump him

 

[Hoplite]

 
On the flipside who profiles as a higher bust candidate for next year? Kottaras or Salty? Its not as easy as looking at just wRC+ as much as looking at a few other things such as who is familiar with the pitching staff. Where would you use the $7 million dollar difference? Say if the Red Sox have $34 million to spend. Lets use your plan for example. This scenario Carp is the 1st baseman with Nava and your scenario about Kottaras becoming the starting catcher. So before arbitration cases the Boston Red Sox would only add 8 million dollars in new salary. If they run with Lavarnway/Ross combo and forget Kottaras then the Red Sox before arbitration cases would only be responsible for $6 million give or take. 
 
Badenhop $2 million
Kottaras $2 million
Platoon OFer (Guiterrez?) $4 Million
 
This is really one of those situations where the Sox don't need to spend a lot on their roster because of the internal options they already have. However, its an extremely unlikely scenario because the Boston Red Sox aren't the Oakland A's, Tampa Rays, KC Royals, or the Minnesota Twins as the majority of the fans would prefer. They're going to spend up to the 34 million that they already have not to mention they'll probably make a trade to relieve the salary of Dempster or Peavy. They won't open the season with a 130 - 140 million payroll especially after a WS title and allowing their most dynamic hitter to leave town. 
 
Its funny that people are taking this approach. Usually after winning a World Series people want to see a repeat. On here we're hoping for an 85 win squad that serves as a bridge year to 2015-2016. 

 
I think you have me confused with someone else, I didn't give give a scenario with Carp at first base. It's debatable who would be a bigger bust candidate between Kottaras and Salty. Salty's familiar with the pitching staff, but the fact that the Red Sox didn't even risk offering him a QO, and there have since been rumors that we're looking for someone who can handle a pitching staff suggest that we aren't very happy with the way Salty is handling the pitchers. I would argue that Salty's the bigger candidate to be a bust. He's the one whose season who has no plate discipline and was buoyed by an unsustainable BABIP last year. Over the last three years, Kottaras has had the better wRC+ and he projects to hit about the same next year. He walks almost twice as often as Salty, strikes out 5% less and has a .202 ISO to Salty's .213. I'd personally prefer Hanigan for his defense and he'd cost $2 million and a b prospect.
 
There are a ton of different ways we could use the extra $7 million. We could sign a quality bench guy like Juan Uribe, to back up Will Middlebrooks. We could sign Corey Hart to a pillow contract or take on salary from someone like Kemp or Aramis Ramiez (not my favorite idea). We could sign a quality bullpen arm and free up Dempster to be traded. We could sign a left fielder and move Nava to first base. Hell, we could bid on Mashairo Tanaka. $7 million would probably cover at least half of his yearly salary.
 
I'm not hoping for an 85 win season. I'm hoping for a repeat, and I don't see how re-signing Salty helps our chances.

 

[Super Nomario]

League average offense and outstanding defense at the major-league minimum salary? I'll take that any day.
 
People seem to think that to be an acceptable starting center fielder for the Red Sox in 2014, Bradley has to replace Ellsbury's production in the lineup, he has to hit leadoff, he has to be the second coming of Mike Trout. He doesn't have to do any of those things. He just has to play strong defense, contribute in whatever way he can to the offense, and continue to grow as a player.
 
Maybe there will be some growing pains as the team turns the page to the next generation of players. Can't we live with that? They just won a championship that nobody expected. Much better to take a step back in 2014 and let this impressive group of young players show what they can do than to sacrifice their development for the likes of Beltran. They had the wisdom to stick with Pedroia through a terrible September audition and a terrible April the next year. They need to show the same patience with Bradley.

Is there any reason to think it's "sacrificing" Bradley's development if he plays in AAA some or all or next year? He didn't hit .330 in Pawtucket, he hit .275. Is there any reason to believe that he'll be a better player in 2015 or 2016 if he plays every day in Boston in 2014?

 

[shoosh77]

I think he's asking if they'd get worse picks at, let's say 27, 29 and 30 rather than just 28 where we can the absolute best player and pay them whatever it takes to sign them. Either that or he thinks that we may not be able sign a few guys because our draft pool will be too small.

Not to go off track, but you can throw a ton more money at 27 in the first scenario because the budget is bigger with more picks.  At least that is my understanding.  Then you pick org+ guys at 29 and 30, or maybe pre-arranged deals for guys who want to be first rounders.

 

[LeoCarrillo]

I think he's asking if they'd get worse picks at, let's say 27, 29 and 30 rather than just 28 where we can the absolute best player and pay them whatever it takes to sign them. Either that or he thinks that we may not be able sign a few guys because our draft pool will be too small.

 
Oh, the pool money.
 
Edit: Looking at last year's draft, it seems you just get money added to your total for all your picks. In other words, each pick has a value -- be it No. 27, No. 30, No. 33, whatever -- and if they're yours then you just get more added to the total amount you can spend.
 
For example, in the 2013 draft the Yankees had the No. 26 pick (with an assigned value of about $1.8M), but then also the No. 32 (for the loss of Swisher, at $1.67M and No. 33 (for the loss of Rafael Soriano, at $1.65M).

 

[jimbobim]

Carlos Taveras without giving up X. Is that possible ? Interesting to think what it would take to get the Cardinals to listen 

 

[LostinNJ]

Is there any reason to think it's "sacrificing" Bradley's development if he plays in AAA some or all or next year? He didn't hit .330 in Pawtucket, he hit .275. Is there any reason to believe that he'll be a better player in 2015 or 2016 if he plays every day in Boston in 2014?

Hitting .275 is pretty good. His OBP was .374, which is very good. His OPS was .842, also very good. I'd say for him to take his game to the next level, he needs to face major league pitching. So, yes, he will be a better player down the road if they give him a full-time job in Boston next year. If he fails, he fails. But he'll never succeed if he's not given the chance to fail.

 

[Super Nomario]

So, yes, he will be a better player down the road if they give him a full-time job in Boston next year.

Is there any evidence for this statement, or is this just what you want to happen?

 

[Scoops Bolling]

Carlos Taveras without giving up X. Is that possible ? Interesting to think what it would take to get the Cardinals to listen 

Assuming you mean Oscar Taveras, no, it is not.

 

[LostinNJ]

Is there any evidence for this statement, or is this just what you want to happen?

Sure. Dustin Pedroia was the same age as Bradley in his last minor league season, 2006. That year his OBP was .384 and his OPS was .810, numbers very similar to Bradley's in 2013. Pedroia didn't need any more time at AAA; the next step in his development had to come in the majors. He struggled for a month, then played better and won some award, and the next year he won some other award. It would have been bad for him, and dumb, to keep him in AAA any longer.

 

[Super Nomario]

Sure. Dustin Pedroia was the same age as Bradley in his last minor league season, 2006. That year his OBP was .384 and his OPS was .810, numbers very similar to Bradley's in 2013. Pedroia didn't need any more time at AAA; the next step in his development had to come in the majors. He struggled for a month, then played better and won some award, and the next year he won some other award. It would have been bad for him, and dumb, to keep him in AAA any longer.

OK, so one example is your evidence?

 

[LostinNJ]

OK, so one example is your evidence?

I could probably come up with others, but I like this one.
 
It is, like, a pattern in baseball that once a guy has mastered one level, he moves to the next level. I'd submit the burden of proof is on you. What's your evidence that Bradley would benefit from more time at AAA? Because you're the one who's proposing (or, if that's too strong, imagining) a deviation from the common practice.

 

[Super Nomario]

I could probably come up with others, but I like this one.
 
It is, like, a pattern in baseball that once a guy has mastered one level, he moves to the next level. I'd submit the burden of proof is on you. What's your evidence that Bradley would benefit from more time at AAA? Because you're the one who's proposing (or, if that's too strong, imagining) a deviation from the common practice.

For me, the primary driver of the decision as to where Bradley starts should be what's best for the team, with some consideration for whether it's bad for Bradley's personal development. I'm not suggesting they send him to AAA for his development; I'm suggesting he be sent to AAA if he's not one of the four or so best OF options for the Red Sox. If Bradley's the best option for CF (certainly possible whether or not they sign Beltran), great. If he's not, why make the team worse unless it's actively hurting Bradley's development? You assume sending him back to Pawtucket would be hurting Bradley's development; I do not.

 

[Hoplite]

There may be questions about Bradley as an untested player at the major league level. But there aren't many better quality options available for a reasonable price. I would think having a guy that projects as a 2+ WAR player making the league minimum would be both what's best for the team and best for Bradley's development. We're talking about a good defensive centerfielder who OPS'd .842 at AAA, does it really matter that he "only" had a .275 AVG?

 

[Devizier]

The Yankees held Brett Gardner in the minors for five years, keeping him in AAA full-time for two seasons. And he debuted behind a not-very-good Melky Cabrera at age 26. And he turned out more than fine. I would, in fact, be pretty stoked if Bradley ends up a Brett Gardner-caliber player.

 

[Doctor G]

 
He's signed for $5 million next season. The team can't just dump him

They can trade Gomes to a club that feels they need the Gomes mojo to get to the playoffs. Davis had an .857 OPS vs lefties last year and can also play all 3 outfield positions, and is a  better defender than Gomes. 

 

[lxt]

The Orioles are shopping Wieters and I was wondering what the forum thought it would take to get him. I know its within the same division but you never know with baseball what will fly. Great glove with a near 50% success rate at snagging base stealers.