The Red Sox announced yesterday that a one-year deal with former Florida Marlins shortstop Alex Gonzalez was reached. The deal, pending a physical within the next forty-eight hours, is said to be worth $3 million. While Gonzalez is not a power threat offensively, his defense is superb and he had a promising year in Florida, reducing his strikeout total while raising his walks, batting average, and on base percentage.
With the addition of Gonzalez, the Red Sox batting order will probably look something like this for the 2006 season:
Crisp CF
Loretta 2B
Ramirez LF
Ortiz DH
Varitek C
Lowell 3B
Nixon RF
Youkilis/Snow 1B
Gonzalez SS
The Red Sox also signed Dustan Mohr to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training last week after the Rockies denied his mutual option for 2006. He is a utility outfielder who will most likely get the most playing time in right field, particularly if Trot Nixon continues to experience pain in his back and hamstring during 2006.
As of this moment, Theo Epstein has said that he plans to wait until Spring Training to talk to Boomer about a possible trade. While the Padres have expressed interest, Epstein has made it clear that he would like David Wells to show up camp. Wells' agen stated that Wells will not hold out, and understands that he is under contract. A likely scenario is that Wells will be used in a trade before the July 31st trade deadline to adjust for any issues that the relatively new Boston Red Sox experience during the 2006 season.
-J
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Catcher in the Rye
As Trey pointed out, David Wells has expressed a strong desire to be traded to the West Coast, and rumors of his retirement (should this demand not be met) are floating all over baseball (or at least all over our conversations about baseball). Trading him directly for Doug Mirabelli would be an excellent deal. Not only would this reduce the amount of starting pitchers on the 2006 staff, but it would also fulfill Wells' desires to finish his career in a warmer climate.
This deal is particularly excellent, as Trey pointed out, because former Mets catcher Mike Piazza has just signed a one year deal with the Padres. Piazza will be excellent as either a backup catcher or as a catcher that could be used as part of a duo, much like the Molina brothers' former role on the Angels. Trading Wells for Douggie would also bring back a fan favorite and all around decent guy back to Boston, while freeing up money to pursue a shortstop, such as the aforementioned Alex Gonzalez.
The only snag in a deal such as this, is that the budget-concious Padres would most likely want some catching prospect or nearly Major Leagues ready catcher. They do have four catchers on their 40-man roster, so maybe a trade like that would be acceptable to them. It is certainly a deal worth considering, especially with the addition of Piazza to the Padres staff.
-J
This deal is particularly excellent, as Trey pointed out, because former Mets catcher Mike Piazza has just signed a one year deal with the Padres. Piazza will be excellent as either a backup catcher or as a catcher that could be used as part of a duo, much like the Molina brothers' former role on the Angels. Trading Wells for Douggie would also bring back a fan favorite and all around decent guy back to Boston, while freeing up money to pursue a shortstop, such as the aforementioned Alex Gonzalez.
The only snag in a deal such as this, is that the budget-concious Padres would most likely want some catching prospect or nearly Major Leagues ready catcher. They do have four catchers on their 40-man roster, so maybe a trade like that would be acceptable to them. It is certainly a deal worth considering, especially with the addition of Piazza to the Padres staff.
-J
Bring Back Dougie
Its odd. Now that Theo Epstein is back as GM of the Boston Red Sox, don't you feel like the team is more organized already. While Jon and I would be hesitant to trade away Andy Marte, Coco Crisp does seem like a great long term solution for CF. The Indians had us in a tough spot, and knew they could get a lot from us.
There is still the issue of shortstop and David Wells. I have no comments on shortstop, all rumors lead to either Alex Cora or Alex Gonzalez. On the subject of Boomer though, I had an idea this morning. It appears the San Diego Padres are going hard after Mike Piazza. "“Mike still thinks he can catch 70 to 80 games,"” said Kevin Towers, Padres GM. "We'll also use him as our designated hitter against American League teams on the road and he could play first base against some left-handed pitchers." Therefore, the Red Sox should try to re-obtain Doug Mirabelli. To be honest, I would have no hesitations about a straight Wells-for-Mirabelli trade. I'd hope we could throw in a prospect too, but again, I have a feeling the Padres will see we are somewhat desparate to lose Wells. Rumors have it that Boomer could retire if not traded.
There is still the issue of shortstop and David Wells. I have no comments on shortstop, all rumors lead to either Alex Cora or Alex Gonzalez. On the subject of Boomer though, I had an idea this morning. It appears the San Diego Padres are going hard after Mike Piazza. "“Mike still thinks he can catch 70 to 80 games,"” said Kevin Towers, Padres GM. "We'll also use him as our designated hitter against American League teams on the road and he could play first base against some left-handed pitchers." Therefore, the Red Sox should try to re-obtain Doug Mirabelli. To be honest, I would have no hesitations about a straight Wells-for-Mirabelli trade. I'd hope we could throw in a prospect too, but again, I have a feeling the Padres will see we are somewhat desparate to lose Wells. Rumors have it that Boomer could retire if not traded.
Friday, January 20, 2006
The Playoffs Might Happen
Theo Epstein everybody:
He's back.
Theo is back in a position of "full time baseball operations capacity." What this means as of right now is not exactly clear, but he is back and that is a positive step for the organization.
More as this story unfolds.
-J
He's back.
Theo is back in a position of "full time baseball operations capacity." What this means as of right now is not exactly clear, but he is back and that is a positive step for the organization.
More as this story unfolds.
-J
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Roster
As spring training nears, it is important to notice the holes (regardless of what the current organization says) in the field, and also the plethora of starting pitchers.
Currently, Adam Stern is slated to start in center field, and Alex Cora is the opening day starter at short. Clearly, this is unacceptable. While Cora can be solid defensively, his hitting certainly leaves something to be desired. Stern is incredbily fast, but has played a total of 35 major league games and would be better suited to a back up role where he could fill gaps in the outfield in games which the Red Sox were leading. He also is useful as a pinch runner for close game situations.
After the debocle that was Edgard Renteria, the Red Sox organization should surely rethink their choice of starting shortstop for the 2006 season. The gaps in the field could be filled by trading pitchers. David Wells has expressed interest in being traded to a West Coast team, and Matt Clement would also be worthwile trade bait in acquiring starters for either of the field positions.
More as the saga continues.
-J
Currently, Adam Stern is slated to start in center field, and Alex Cora is the opening day starter at short. Clearly, this is unacceptable. While Cora can be solid defensively, his hitting certainly leaves something to be desired. Stern is incredbily fast, but has played a total of 35 major league games and would be better suited to a back up role where he could fill gaps in the outfield in games which the Red Sox were leading. He also is useful as a pinch runner for close game situations.
After the debocle that was Edgard Renteria, the Red Sox organization should surely rethink their choice of starting shortstop for the 2006 season. The gaps in the field could be filled by trading pitchers. David Wells has expressed interest in being traded to a West Coast team, and Matt Clement would also be worthwile trade bait in acquiring starters for either of the field positions.
More as the saga continues.
-J
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Post 18
And now we wait. No deals yet to provide the Red Sox with a CF or SS. A couple less significant deals were made that we have not yet discused:
- RHP Julian Tavarez, went 2-3 last yr with 4 saves and a 3.43 ERA, 32 years old
- 1B J.T. Snow, hit .275/.343OBP last yr, bats lefty, excellent defensive player, 6 time gold glove winner, 37 years old
Other Updates: Manny will most likely stay with the Red Sox, Tejada doesn't want to be traded anymore, Terry Francona does not expect Kevin Youkilis to regularly bat leadoff for the Sox he said on NESN today-he expects a free agent signing to take that role.
- RHP Julian Tavarez, went 2-3 last yr with 4 saves and a 3.43 ERA, 32 years old
- 1B J.T. Snow, hit .275/.343OBP last yr, bats lefty, excellent defensive player, 6 time gold glove winner, 37 years old
Other Updates: Manny will most likely stay with the Red Sox, Tejada doesn't want to be traded anymore, Terry Francona does not expect Kevin Youkilis to regularly bat leadoff for the Sox he said on NESN today-he expects a free agent signing to take that role.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Manny or Tejada?
Who would you rather have? First thoughts are Manny is the bigger star, the bigger HR threat, and therefore the player you'd rather have. I did some light research and went over some stats and have made my decision.
My conclusions:
Manny has more HR, higher OBP and slugging pct. Tejada though is better in just about every other category. He is a few years younger, more durable, gets many more at bats. I also noted that he hits more doubles, which is good for Fenway. Speaking of Fenway, Tejada actually has a higher career batting average at Fenway than Manny. Defensively, there is no contest. Tejada is above his peers in Range Factor while Manny is below other outfielders in RF. Tejada also ranks better than Manny in the "running out ground balls" factor.
Manny is somewhat of a fan favorite in Boston, and it would be difficult to watch him play 19 times a year for Baltimore. But I think the Red Sox should make the Manny-Tejada trade. The other players involved will be tricky and I'd rather not comment on them, but man to man, I'd rather have Tejada on the Red Sox than Manny.
Gms/Poss AB BA OBP Runs Hits 2B HR RBI BB Slug RC
Manny Ramirez 720/810 2656 .315 .412 514 836 174 199 610 413 .608 658
Miguel Tejada 810/810 3227 .294 .345 509 949 193 152 598 222 .501 550
range factor/9 rf/9 avg. for that position in league
Manny Ramirez 1.80 2.12
Miguel Tejada 4.71 4.55
My conclusions:
Manny has more HR, higher OBP and slugging pct. Tejada though is better in just about every other category. He is a few years younger, more durable, gets many more at bats. I also noted that he hits more doubles, which is good for Fenway. Speaking of Fenway, Tejada actually has a higher career batting average at Fenway than Manny. Defensively, there is no contest. Tejada is above his peers in Range Factor while Manny is below other outfielders in RF. Tejada also ranks better than Manny in the "running out ground balls" factor.
Manny is somewhat of a fan favorite in Boston, and it would be difficult to watch him play 19 times a year for Baltimore. But I think the Red Sox should make the Manny-Tejada trade. The other players involved will be tricky and I'd rather not comment on them, but man to man, I'd rather have Tejada on the Red Sox than Manny.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Goodbye Manny?
"The New York Daily News says the Mets, Red Sox, Orioles and Devil Rays may be discussing a four-team deal that would send Manny Ramirez to New York; Miguel Tejada and Joey Gathright to Boston; Julio Lugo, Matt Clement and maybe Kris Benson to Baltimore and Andy Marte, Aaron Heilman, Jae Seo and Kaz Matsui to Tampa Bay."
This news could be good for Boston. This deal would fill their void at both center field (Gathright) and Shortstop (Tejada). There would be a hole in left field, however, and that would also need to be addressed. The trade of Marte is someone disconcerting given that the Red Sox payed nearly $11 million to get rid of Edgar Renteria and acquire Marte. He was also the Red Sox possible position filler at third next year when Lowell's contract expires.
The trade of Ramirez, while not excellent news, is bearable because Tejada is a close comparison, and he and David Ortiz are excellent friends -- they could be a nearly as deadly (or even more so because of Tejada's good attitude) combination for the three and four batting spots.
Ramirez to the Mets, however, would make one of the best teams in the NL this year, perhaps the best.
This trade would further support my prediction that the 2006 World Series will be comprised of the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays.
More if the deal goes through.
-J
This news could be good for Boston. This deal would fill their void at both center field (Gathright) and Shortstop (Tejada). There would be a hole in left field, however, and that would also need to be addressed. The trade of Marte is someone disconcerting given that the Red Sox payed nearly $11 million to get rid of Edgar Renteria and acquire Marte. He was also the Red Sox possible position filler at third next year when Lowell's contract expires.
The trade of Ramirez, while not excellent news, is bearable because Tejada is a close comparison, and he and David Ortiz are excellent friends -- they could be a nearly as deadly (or even more so because of Tejada's good attitude) combination for the three and four batting spots.
Ramirez to the Mets, however, would make one of the best teams in the NL this year, perhaps the best.
This trade would further support my prediction that the 2006 World Series will be comprised of the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays.
More if the deal goes through.
-J
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