The Outfield--What are the options??

[benhogan]

 
You know he's 39 years old, right?  As great as he's been for the Sox, his days are surely numbered.  Year to year is really all you want to go with him.  And if the team continues to fall out of contention and they can turn him into a prospect or two at the deadline, they absolutely have to do it.

You do realize he has been historically dominate over the last couple years, right? Pretty close to the greatest relief season EVER last year. 1or 2 more years at $6-7MM/per isn't going to break the bank.
 
I'm fed up with the Sox signing/trading for some fat shit 30yr old relievers recently that absolutely suck (Mujica, Bailey, Jenks, Hanrahan), give me a lean and mean Koji at 39 over those slobs.  At some point you have to take body shape and health into consideration if your going to throw age in there as a deterrent to re-signing a guy.
 
What evidence do you have that his days are numbered, has he done anything this season to think he can't do this for another year or two?
 
Just like Ortiz, Koji is the exception not the rule...

 

[Toe Nash]

The problem with trading Koji is that it seems like teams have smartened up a bit and aren't willing to pay a lot in terms of prospects for a proven closer. Last year you had Veras dealt for a low-A prospect but I don't recall any other deals. Papelbon is still the high mark for a closer FA contract and no one has come close since. 
 
So a few years ago Koji himself was dealt for Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter (before he was KOJI!) but I think teams have finally largely realized that you can find a middle reliever to make your closer or convert a hard-throwing starter prospect, or whatever, and you don't have to get a guy who is a "closer."
 
In that context, I don't know that the return for Koji would be particularly big, and if they are planning to compete next year you probably want to keep him around and try to extend him for a year or two. If you do get a good return, sure, go for it -- you can try to sign him again as a FA. But I wouldn't count on it.

 

[Red(s)HawksFan]

What's to stop the Red Sox from simply re-signing Koji in the off-season if they trade him this summer?  Unless the concern is that Koji will fall in love with where-ever they send him and sign a big extension there, trading him in July doesn't equate to losing him forever.  He could still be a part of a contending Red Sox team in 2015 or 2016 (assuming he is still healthy and effective past age 40).

 

[Toe Nash]

What's to stop the Red Sox from simply re-signing Koji in the off-season if they trade him this summer?  Unless the concern is that Koji will fall in love with where-ever they send him and sign a big extension there, trading him in July doesn't equate to losing him forever.  He could still be a part of a contending Red Sox team in 2015 or 2016 (assuming he is still healthy and effective past age 40).

Same reasons they may not be able to re-sign Lester after trading him:
-He gets annoyed at having to move mid-season or at his landing spot, or both
-He likes the place they trade him to and they have more opportunity to convince him to stay, so he signs an extension
 
Of course, this is balanced by the possibility that he appreciates the opportunity to be traded and play for a competitive team instead of staying with a loser. Of course, a successful postseason both raises his FA price and increases his chance at injury.
 
I think with both players, if they want to try this strategy, they should talk with them first to figure out their feelings (and surely they will).

 

[Reverend]

The problem with trading Koji is that it seems like teams have smartened up a bit and aren't willing to pay a lot in terms of prospects for a proven closer. Last year you had Veras dealt for a low-A prospect but I don't recall any other deals. Papelbon is still the high mark for a closer FA contract and no one has come close since. 
 
So a few years ago Koji himself was dealt for Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter (before he was KOJI!) but I think teams have finally largely realized that you can find a middle reliever to make your closer or convert a hard-throwing starter prospect, or whatever, and you don't have to get a guy who is a "closer."
 
In that context, I don't know that the return for Koji would be particularly big, and if they are planning to compete next year you probably want to keep him around and try to extend him for a year or two. If you do get a good return, sure, go for it -- you can try to sign him again as a FA. But I wouldn't count on it.

 
It's precisely because of the massive variability in what a reliever gives you year to year that teams have to overpay to get good relief help in midseason trades.
 
Farrell indicated last year that the fact that you have to overpay more for relievers in midseason trades was a factor in choosing to go for Peavey.
 
Of course, if we're talking about trading Koji, than we're talking about the team deciding they are out of contention, which means it's unlikely they would move for an OF rather than see what happens with Mookie and Holt and the whole thing becomes irrelevant to this thread.

 

[Plympton91]

I wonder if they did move Koji whether that could be the solution to the outfield problems. Koji for Joc Peterson? What about the Pirates if they get back in it; he fits their budget and they have outfielders.

Though I'm with Ben Hogan. Sign him for 2 years. We're talking Mo Rivera level dominance for at least 3 straight years now. You can't let that go.

 

[soxhop411]

I wonder if they did move Koji whether that could be the solution to the outfield problems. Koji for Joc Peterson? What about the Pirates if they get back in it; he fits their budget and they have outfielders.

Unless the dodgers are drunk, why would they do that?

 

[Plympton91]

Unless the dodgers are drunk, why would they do that?

The Dodgers have acted plenty drunk over the past 3 years. Nick Punto. QED.

 

[Sprowl]

Nice pic of Ellsbury, btw

 

 
ELWJECSAT

 

[jimbobim]

After watching yet another anemic offensive display that dropped the team 10 games back I think the front office needs to be ready to do one thing or another. 
 
Due to roster construction and prospect depth they have a ton of flexibility. 
 
If the Red Sox internally don't believe they're a playoff team then they have a lot of veteran pieces that theoretically could be shopped for the prototypical high level "prospect or prospects". If this is the approach you go with then honestly  outside of Pedroia and Ortiz every one of their veterans could be attractive because they can still help a contending team. Koji , Lester, Lackey,  Napoli Victorino, AJ , (though nobody wants him) all are attractive and bring plus skills to pennant races.  Trading these guys would also be the white flag on this season right after winning a WS which despite the shit we see in front of us is a little hard to believe. I guess you can add Drew to that list as well . 
 
Or you could say its been abundantly clear all season this team needs an average-above average bat in the OF. Considering Napoli is on the way back but Vic looks to be delayed a bit you go shopping for a guy like a Denorfia , Cody Ross, or Kemp( obviously some people have reservations about this and it would have to do entirely with the money for me). This would probably cost one of the SP you've spent years developing and a lower level guy and maybe the enigma WMB. 
 
I just think if your advocating to sell lets be honest about what that should/would look like. The bullpen is good. SP is average and streaky and the bats are pretty awful (would be worse w/o X being a beast). 

 

[RedOctober3829]

https://twitter.com/scottlauber/status/475379357306093568

 

[knucklecup]

It's too bad so much had to go wrong to start the season but it's becoming more and more clear that we can't let both JBJ and Sizemore work out the kinks if you want a chance at a playoff spot.

Bradley isn't ML ready, but if somebody was producing in RF like Victorino last year, the hole wouldn't be as glaring, especially since his defense has been superb.

What about Adam Dunn as a platoon-mate in LF with Gomes?

896 career OPS against RHP, oddly enough, has the same OPS against righties thus far this season (prior to his HR game tonight).

End the Sizemore expirement (is there anyway to let him get at bats at Pawtucket to see if there iss anything there in time?), have a powerful platoon in LF, Nava/JBJ/Victorino to fill in the rest of the OF.

Just a thought.

 

[knucklecup]

He's a FA after the year. Would cost nothing. Would only be asked to play LF but a better 1B than Carp who has seen time there.

Seems far more realistic than Stanton, and Ethier / some of the high dollar names that will actually cost prospects to get.

Best friends with Peavy. I like the guy in a platoon with Gomes.

Edit: besides the "come on man" approach, is there a reason for your opinion for why he wouldn't work in a platoon with Gomes?

 

[radsoxfan]

Edit: besides the "come on man" approach, is there a reason for your opinion for why he wouldn't work in a platoon with Gomes?

 
Dunn has started 12 games in the outfield over the past 5 years for a reason.  He is not an outfielder.  

 

[knucklecup]

 
Dunn has started 12 games in the outfield over the past 5 years for a reason.  He is not an outfielder.  

The reason has been because of an abundance of OF's who were better than him defensively and no other obvious choice for DH.

 

[radsoxfan]

The reason has been because of an abundance of OF's who were better than him defensively and no other obvious choice for DH.

 
The other reason is that he is an atrocious defensive OF.  We may as well ask Ortiz to be Gomes' platoon partner. 

 

[radsoxfan]

I think that would actually be better defensively.

 
I can only assume someone who endorses Adam Dunn as a full time outfielder in 2014 is thinking of a different Adam Dunn.
 
Having said that…. this Red Sox OF has been historically bad, and even with Dunn's extreme defensive shortcomings, sadly he would probably be an upgrade at this point.
 
Victorino needs to get healthy, Bradley and/or Nava needs to turn it around offensively, and either Betts has to come up or the Red Sox need to make a trade.  Hard to feel too confident going forward, but I think there is at least a chance they can turn it around. 

 

[knucklecup]

Making a mockery of Dunn's defense in LF and being content with Gomes' seems hypocritical. I think Fenway masks many of his flaws.

And the point of the deal would be to have an Ortiz-Napoli-Dunn middle of the order.

Also best friends with Peavy.

What about Matt Adams? Seems like the odd man out with Tavares called up. He mashes righties.

Just seems like if Buch and Doubie come back solid, or De La Rosa and/or Workman replace that production, they have a team that can make the playoffs.

RHP:

Pedroia 2B
Boegarts 3B
Ortiz DH
Napoli 1B
Dunn/Adams LF
Nava RF
Pierzynski C
Drew SS
Bradley CF

At bats for Victorino will be available.

Right now you have about 4-5 automatic outs in the line up. That line up has one. And who knows, maybe JBJ works through it without so much of reliance upon him.

Edit: you just can't punt seasons when you're this close and have this pitching staff. You're a minor move away... Make it happen.

 

[radsoxfan]

Also best friends with Peavy.

 
 
Holy crap, he's best friends with Peavy?!
 
Disregard my previous posts…. forget I brought up the fact that he can't play the OF.  We gotta get this guy. 

 

[knucklecup]

That's far from the point. Do you have a suggestion?

 

[keninten]

I`m at the point they punt this year and start looking at what they have down the road. A 10 game losing streak followed buy a 7 game win streak, now in the midst of a 5 game losing streak just doesn`t inspire any confidence in me. The sooner they start looking towards next year the more opportunities they will have to build for next year.
 
Let JBJ finish up and see if he starts hitting. If not he`s a 4th OFer next year. See what we really have in WMB when he gets back. Watch Mookie, Cecchini, and Vazquez in AAA, maybe some September call ups. Vazquez could be next years JBJ, great on the field but not much at the plate, but that wouldn`t be as bad for a very good defensive catcher. Let the SPs in AAA get some innings in the Sox rotation or bullpen.
 
I can`t get specific on trades but Ben should be exploring to see what will be useful next year with some of this years vets. Napoli, Papi, Bogaerts and Pedroia would be the only untouchables. I was for the Drew resigning but now it`s seems like a waste unless they can flip him for something.
 
At this point I`m more interested in watching some young players develop and answering some questions for next year, than hoping they can win a few. Dunn would really be frustrating to watch and it would probably start me drinking again

 

[maxotaur]

You do realize he has been historically dominate over the last couple years, right? Pretty close to the greatest relief season EVER last year. 1or 2 more years at $6-7MM/per isn't going to break the bank.
 
I'm fed up with the Sox signing/trading for some fat shit 30yr old relievers recently that absolutely suck (Mujica, Bailey, Jenks, Hanrahan), give me a lean and mean Koji at 39 over those slobs.  At some point you have to take body shape and health into consideration if your going to throw age in there as a deterrent to re-signing a guy.
 
What evidence do you have that his days are numbered, has he done anything this season to think he can't do this for another year or two?
 
Just like Ortiz, Koji is the exception not the rule...

Exactly. Trade Koji? Trade Lester? Right, he's never done anything for us and what team needs good pitching anyway? Why, we have all those mid-rotation starters on the Farm. The fickle nature of some of our fan base is pretty disturbing to me. We're worse than Fucking Yankee fans for Christ's sake.

 

[knucklecup]

I can only assume you haven't actually seen Dunn play the field anytime recently. Gomes, as limited as he is, is a much better fielder than Dunn is. Yeah, Dunn is *that* bad.

And I don't know why you keep bringing up that he's best friends with peavy. What in the world does that have to do with anything? Does that mean he will try harder? Eithier is best friends with Pedroia, so maybe we should discount your negative thoughts about him in that regard??

Edit: this team is not "this close" to anything except last place. And I'm not sure what pitching staff you're referring to but the one currently being trotted out by the Red Sox is not something you make desperate actions to salvage. The bullpen has been great, but outside of Lester and Lackey it's not much less of a shit show than the rest of the team.

Nope, I've seen him play LF recently and just because you're coming in scorching hot, doesn't mean you're accurate.

I brought up the friend thing once. One time.

Desperate actions to salvage? Trading nothing for Adam Dunn is a desperate action? All it takes is for the Dunn/Gomes platoon to work, for Vic/JBJ/Nava produce solidly splitting time between CF and RF.

A lot of teams have come back from ten games down. That line up can compete. A second half of Lester, Peavy, Lackey, Buchholz, Doubront (or De La Rosa / Workman) is proposing.

And again, you've made no response about Matt Adams. Why wouldn't he fit well?

 

[Spelunker]

Seems far more realistic than Stanton, and Ethier / some of the high dollar names that will actually cost prospects to get.

Best friends with Peavy. I like the guy in a platoon with Gomes.

Edit: besides the "come on man" approach, is there a reason for your opinion for why he wouldn't work in a platoon with Gomes?

 
 

Making a mockery of Dunn's defense in LF and being content with Gomes' seems hypocritical. I think Fenway masks many of his flaws.

And the point of the deal would be to have an Ortiz-Napoli-Dunn middle of the order.

Also best friends with Peavy.

What about Matt Adams? Seems like the odd man out with Tavares called up. He mashes righties.

...

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

And again, you've made no response about Matt Adams. Why wouldn't he fit well?

 
Perhaps because he has played zero professional innings at any position other than first base?
 
And to give an idea of this 6-3, 260 gazelle's foot speed, he's a lefthanded masher with exactly four triples in his professional career.

 

[jimbobim]

Some issues I have with your stance Papelbon
 
 

Any move right now for an OF (other than a guy like Stanton or someone similar that would be a piece going forward) is polishing the brass on the Titanic. No matter how little it costs, it's a waste.

 
 
"The Sox have a perfectly good platoon partner for Gomes in Nava and refuse to play him. nava is a better hitter and a far better fielder than Dunn is in the OF and can at least cover RF. Dunn would only clog an already inflexible roster and offer nothing of gain."
 
 
 
 
I mentioned this somewhere up post but the rest of the team outside of the OF is far from the Titanic. Catcher is weak spot that they have people on the horizon so probably not an area of improvement. CF should be JBJ's even if he's only there for a glove. 
 
The Corners- 
 
Nava is not good for anything now. For  as good as he was last year he's been the opposite this year. Gomes and Sizemore are exposed when playing full time in the OF so in reality without VIC they don't have an everyday experienced OF on the roster. 
 
As for the "cost" name me another part of this team that makes it the "titanic". Better or hell even average play from the OF corners along with the return of Napoli would be very significant. 
 
This team bet again on Nava/Gomes/ and Sizemore to provide production. That hasn't happened. That's different then the entire team being the titanic.  

 

[Savin Hillbilly]

I mean, seriously, it seems like your main criterion for acquiring outfielders is that they mustn't be able to play the outfield. (EDIT: @knucklecup)

 

[Van Everyman]

Jason Kubel was just DFA'd. Sucked this year and last but hit 30 HR in 2012 w the Dbacks.

Yes, these are our options.

 

[Hee Sox Choi]

Jason Kubel was just DFA'd. Sucked this year and last but hit 30 HR in 2012 w the Dbacks.

Yes, these are our options.

LOL I was just looking at him.  .354 BABIP to go along with those awful numbers.  He seems cooked but I guess they could sign him and stick him in AAA.  But I'd rather start JBJ, Nava, Vic, Holt and even Jonny Gomes vs. Rs before giving Kubel a shot. 

 

[knucklecup]

I mean, seriously, it seems like your main criterion for acquiring outfielders is that they mustn't be able to play the outfield. (EDIT: @knucklecup)

Not necessarily. They just need to actually be a professional major leaguer, something Nava has been incapable of being this year.

Are there numbers that point to Gomes being a gold glove level talent? Just can't see how Adam Dunn wouldn't make sense for that LF platoon at Fenway.

As far as Adams goes... Again, it just seems like he will unfairly be the odd man out. For that reason, his price will be right.

Are you of the belief that the Sox should just give up or are you content with giving one last ditch effort to see if this can be turned around?

If the latter, and clearly Adams and Dunn are crap in your eyes, who fits the bill as RHP'ing masher to go alongside Gomes, knowing that Nava is a AAAA bench player who will hopefully never see the field when Vic comes back.

I'm sure there are others options available. All ears.

 

[Yaz4Ever]

Will the Marlins take Lester, Middlebrooks, Fisk's retired number, and the Greenville Drive for Stanton?  If so, let's make this happen.  This is depressing.

 

[Puffy]

I'm sure there are others options available. All ears.

 
There really aren't many options, which is probably how you landed on Adam Dunn. It just seems exceedingly unlikely since (1) Dunn has only seen 85 innings in the OF since 2009 and (2) even when he played in the outfield, he was nearly universally regarded as one of the worst defensive outfielders in the major leagues. It doesn't seem like the Red Sox MO to make a move like that. 
 
Matt Adams is a bit more plausible, or even his teammate Allen Craig. But, yeah, part of the problem here is that there just aren't many options out there at all. More likely than not, the Red Sox are stuck with what they've got.

 

[Cuzittt]

The easiest option for platoon option for Gomes is... Daniel Nava. He's here, he costs nothing to acquire... and he is undoubtedly better than what he has shown. And, he's an outfielder.

As much as LF has been a problem... RF and CF are bigger issues. When Victorino comes back... maybe that alleviates the RF issue. I don't think we have any real options for CF... but I would consider bringing up Corey Brown who has started to hit (although his full season numbers are weak) and has shown some power.

I recognize that one of the Sox issues is lack of power. But getting an Adam Dunn or another basher who can not be competent defensively just changes our problems...

 

[Plympton91]

 knowing that Nava is a AAAA bench player who will hopefully never see the field when Vic comes back.

 

 
I don't think there are more than a handful of people here who have that opinion of Nava.  If Nava is a AAAA bench player, then what is Jackie Bradley?  Quentin Berry without the speed?

 

[Hee Sox Choi]

Not necessarily. They just need to actually be a professional major leaguer, something Nava has been incapable of being this year.

Are there numbers that point to Gomes being a gold glove level talent? Just can't see how Adam Dunn wouldn't make sense for that LF platoon at Fenway.

As far as Adams goes... Again, it just seems like he will unfairly be the odd man out. For that reason, his price will be right.

Are you of the belief that the Sox should just give up or are you content with giving one last ditch effort to see if this can be turned around?

If the latter, and clearly Adams and Dunn are crap in your eyes, who fits the bill as RHP'ing masher to go alongside Gomes, knowing that Nava is a AAAA bench player who will hopefully never see the field when Vic comes back.

Dunn is a horrible OF.  HORRIBLE beyond belief.  Adams will cost a lot, the Cards aren't stupid.  He raked in the minors, he was hitting .325 in 194 ABs so it's not like they weren't playing him.  He's the only guy hitting above .300 on that team.  I would love to have Adams but to say that the "price will be right" because he's the odd man out doesn't fly at all.  He was starting vs. Rs when he got hurt.  He's 25 and the Cards find plenty of ABs for him (until he went on the DL a couple of weeks ago).
 
Nava isn't a AAAA bench player.  Have you looked at his minor league #s?  AND his major league #s?  The guy is an OBP machine vs. Rs.  The fact that he has struggled vs. Rs in SIXTY ABs (60!) shouldn't discount that the guy has a lifetime .384 OBP vs. Rs in over 800 PAs in MLB and in 7 seasons of the minors has a .411 OBP overall (couldn't find splits that go back).  Nava shouldn't play vs. Ls, that's for Jonny Gomes.  Nava/Gomes is a good platoon if Farrell would stop giving ABs vs. Rs to Gomes and vice-versa.
 
Nava being a solid option vs. Rs is right there in EIGHT YEARS OF STATS.  Look at 'em!

 

[Puffy]

 
I don't think there are more than a handful of people here who have that opinion of Nava.  If Nava is a AAAA bench player, then what is Jackie Bradley?  Quentin Berry without the speed?

 
Agreed. Nava has only had 70 PA against RHP, his bread and butter. After last night's game, his OPS against RHP is back up to .648, which is already almost as good as Sizemore who has had twice the PA. If Sizemore gets this much rope, Nava should play every day against RHP until Vic returns. Last year aside, if he can simply get back to his career numbers against RHP (OBP heavy .818 OPS), then the LF problem is solved (Nava/Gomes) without the need to trade for anyone.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

I know he's on the DL right now but I'd like to see what Brentz can do a the major league level. The kid is 25 and in his second year at AAA, he can hit for power and get on base even though he still K's at a decent clip. He's also not a liability in the OF. I mean what do they have to lose at this point?

 

[Puffy]

I know he's on the DL right now but I'd like to see what Brentz can do a the major league level. The kid is 25 and in his second year at AAA, he can hit for power and get on base even though he still K's at a decent clip. He's also not a liability in the OF. I mean what do they have to lose at this point?

 
If he were healthy, he likely would have gotten the call instead of Hassan. And he'd be a possible platoon option for Nava in RF while we wait for Vic to return. Sizemore would need to get dumped first.

 

[MakMan44]

I know he's on the DL right now but I'd like to see what Brentz can do a the major league level. The kid is 25 and in his second year at AAA, he can hit for power and get on base even though he still K's at a decent clip. He's also not a liability in the OF. I mean what do they have to lose at this point?

I agree with this. 
 
Also, what is this obsession with Adams? It's going to cost quite a bit to get him, he's never played the OF and he's decided to trade his power to beat the shift this season. 

 

[radsoxfan]

Are there numbers that point to Gomes being a gold glove level talent? Just can't see how Adam Dunn wouldn't make sense for that LF platoon at Fenway.
 

 
Players' skills aren't binary.  It's a spectrum. Just because Gomes isn't a "good" defensive outfielder, that doesn't mean he belongs in the "bad" group with guys like Dunn.  
 
Gomes is perfectly adequate platoon OF if he is hitting lefties, especially at Fenway.  Dunn is an epic train wreck.  There is a big difference between the two defensively. 

 

[knucklecup]

Dunn is a horrible OF.  HORRIBLE beyond belief.  Adams will cost a lot, the Cards aren't stupid.  He raked in the minors, he was hitting .325 in 194 ABs so it's not like they weren't playing him.  He's the only guy hitting above .300 on that team.  I would love to have Adams but to say that the "price will be right" because he's the odd man out doesn't fly at all.  He was starting vs. Rs when he got hurt.  He's 25 and the Cards find plenty of ABs for him (until he went on the DL a couple of weeks ago).
 
Nava isn't a AAAA bench player.  Have you looked at his minor league #s?  AND his major league #s?  The guy is an OBP machine vs. Rs.  The fact that he has struggled vs. Rs in SIXTY ABs (60!) shouldn't discount that the guy has a lifetime .384 OBP vs. Rs in over 800 PAs in MLB and in 7 seasons of the minors has a .411 OBP overall (couldn't find splits that go back).  Nava shouldn't play vs. Ls, that's for Jonny Gomes.  Nava/Gomes is a good platoon if Farrell would stop giving ABs vs. Rs to Gomes and vice-versa.
 
Nava being a solid option vs. Rs is right there in EIGHT YEARS OF STATS.  Look at 'em!

What are the differences between Gomes and Dunn in LF defensively?

Because you can't be content playing one and not the other. Both are equally as horrific in the field.

This is the same position that Manny Ramirez manned for years. If there's one position to prefer offense to defense, it's LF. This type of production allows for Bradley to stick in CF.

Have to improve the offense. The OF seems like the most logical way to do it.

Is waiting for Sizemore and Nava to come around the smartest decision here? I'm all for patience but I do think something needs to be done.

 

[knucklecup]

 
Players' skills aren't binary.  It's a spectrum. Just because Gomes isn't a "good" defensive outfielder, that doesn't mean he belongs in the "bad" group with guys like Dunn.  
 
Gomes is perfectly adequate platoon OF if he is hitting lefties, especially at Fenway.  Dunn is an epic train wreck.  There is a big difference between the two defensively. 

I have to see this epic train wreck you refer to. Because the Tango Tiger eye rest says differently

 

[Hee Sox Choi]

What are the differences between Gomes and Dunn in LF defensively?

Because you can't be content playing one and not the other. Both are equally as horrific in the field.

This is the same position that Manny Ramirez manned for years. If there's one position to prefer offense to defense, it's LF. This type of production allows for Bradley to stick in CF.

Have to improve the offense. The OF seems like the most logical way to do it.

Is waiting for Sizemore and Nava to come around the smartest decision here? I'm all for patience but I do think something needs to be done.

 
Gomes would punch you in the face if he read this.  Gomes can actually make plays.  Dunn lets balls skip past him and roll to the wall.  That probably doesn't register in UZR or whatevs.  Gomes isn't even close to how bad Dunn is in the OF.  They don't play him there anymore because he was so bad.  
 
Manny actually played the wall pretty proficiently and had a quick release throw to 2b to hold runners on first.  Not that he didn't make his share of bad plays.  
 
Waiting for Sizemore is a bad decision.  Waiting for Nava is a smart decision.  I just gave you 8 years worth of data to explain why.  Plus, the good ABs he's had recently hopefully mean he's back on track to his career norms.  

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

Adam Dunn in the OF? Seriously? I'd rather have Nava. Adam Dunn has a UZR/150 of - 110.5 in LF this year. I don't care how much power he has he's a liability in every other aspect of the game.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

Jason Kubel was just DFA'ed. Maybe worth a look as a possible LF once or twice a week? Play the Carp role for now...

 

[radsoxfan]

Because you can't be content playing one and not the other. Both are equally as horrific in the field.
 

 
Last 3 semi-full season UZR/150 numbers in LF.
 
Gomes
2011: +4.5
2012: -9.5
2013 -6.6
 
Dunn
2007: -17.9
2008: -20.7
2009: -37.9
 
I shudder to think what this current version of Dunn, 5 years and many pounds removed from being a horrific LF, would do in the year 2014.  There is a reason managers stopped asking him to play OF 5 years ago.   He can't play the position.
 
Gomes is a below average defensive OF, Dunn is a DH. 

 

[knucklecup]

 
Gomes would punch you in the face if he read this.  Gomes can actually make plays.  Dunn lets balls skip past him and roll to the wall.  That probably doesn't register in UZR or whatevs.  Gomes isn't even close to how bad Dunn is in the OF.  They don't play him there anymore because he was so bad.  
 
Manny actually played the wall pretty proficiently and had a quick release throw to 2b to hold runners on first.  Not that he didn't make his share of bad plays.  
 
Waiting for Sizemore is a bad decision.  Waiting for Nava is a smart decision.  I just gave you 8 years worth of data to explain why.  Plus, the good ABs he's had recently hopefully mean he's back on track to his career norms.  

"Gomes can actually make plays."

You posted nothing objective at all, and are clearly not up to speed on why he hasn't received consistent time in the outfield for Chicago. They've had to many OF's, and Konerko at first base, and then Abreu this season.

Is he a good defensive OF? Absolutely not. Is he a far superior option at the dish that solves a glaring need? Absolutely.

You can't improve 3B, SS, 2B, 1B, or C.

Do you do something drastic? I'm not in the boat when the alternative is to give up very little for a guy like Adam Dunn or somebody who doesn't have a roll anymore like Matt Adams.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

"Gomes can actually make plays."
You posted nothing objective at all, and are clearly not up to speed on why he hasn't received consistent time in the outfield for Chicago. They've had to many OF's, and Konerko at first base, and then Abreu this season.
Is he a good defensive OF? Absolutely not. Is he a far superior option at the dish that solves a glaring need? Absolutely.
You can't improve 3B, SS, 2B, 1B, or C.
Do you do something drastic? I'm not in the boat when the alternative is to give up very little for a guy like Adam Dunn or somebody who doesn't have a roll anymore like Matt Adams.

I don't know how you can compare Dunn and Gomes at the plate. They are opposite ends of a platoon. Dunn can't hit LHP.

 

[drtooth]

Dunn has played 14 games in the OF since 2009.  Here is a link to his advanced stats on Baseball Reference.  
 
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dunnad01-field.shtml
 
Gomes
 
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gomesjo01-field.shtml

 

[knucklecup]

I don't know how you can compare Dunn and Gomes at the plate. They are opposite ends of a platoon. Dunn can't hit LHP.

Huh? I'm suggesting a strict Gomes/Dunn platoon. If you're resided to suck defensively with Gomes, it shouldn't be an issue to have the second part of the platoon also be a bad defensive LF'er.

Dunn has a career 896 OPS against righties, has been even better than that this season, can play 1B if needed, allows for Nava to get consistent at-bats in RF while Vic works his way back.

Just not ready to punt 2014.