Who's On first in 2006?

[yankeessuck013]

First priority?

 

The contracts of Kevin Millar, John Olerud, and Roberto Petagine all expire at season's end, meaning the Red Sox' offseason shopping list figures to be headlined by a starting first baseman. The most significant name expected to be on the open market? Chicago's Paul Konerko, who was born in Providence, moved to Connecticut at age 5, then moved to Arizona, where he currently lives, at age 11.

 

Konerko, who's currently making $8.75 million in the final year of a three-year, $23 million deal, leads the White Sox with 30 home runs and 77 RBIs, a season after clubbing 41 and knocking in 117. His appeal is undeniable. But the city of Boston didn't sound excessively appealing when Konerko was asked yesterday if he enjoys coming here with the White Sox.

 

''It's good for a couple days," he said yesterday. ''I don't know if I'd want to come here all the time. It's fun to come to Fenway, it's fun to come to Yankee Stadium, places where I used to go [as a kid]. [but] the East Coast is hectic."

 

Would he, therefore, not consider signing with Boston?

 

''All options are open," said Konerko. ''The good thing about this team [Chicago] this year is we're doing so well that personally, you don't think about your whole situation. If I was on a bad team right now, I might be sitting back, already preparing for what's going to happen. This clubhouse doesn't allow that, because we're a winning team, going to the playoffs.

 

''I don't know what's going to happen with all that. I don't rule out any places I could play. I haven't even thought about it, other than I love Chicago and I'd love to stay here."

 

Colorado's Todd Helton and Philadelphia's Jim Thome are two other star first basemen who might be available this offseason, given their contracts. Helton has four years and $62.4 million remaining, while Thome is owed $46 million over three seasons.

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/08/15/struggling_clement_is_let_off_the_hook/?page=1

[riverside sluggers]

Jim Thome would be a big liability, he's been declining for past couple of seasons now. If not Paul Konerko, Aubrey Huff or Todd Helton I wouldnt mind at all being signed as the new 1st baseman

[RWH1705]

Paul Konerko is at the top of my list.

 

1. Konerko

2.Petagine (back up konerko) from what i have seen he looks good.

3.Maybe Millar he just doesn't have the numbers. He's a great guy creates good chemistry. Maybe he can be the new 3rd base coach because dale sveum sucks.

[riverside sluggers]

I heard once on WEEI that several times Astros and Phillies scouts have been summoned to Red Sox games to watch Millar play

[soxie thefangirl]

Interesting.

[Sox fan in Tex]

Question: Is Roberto Petagine not good enough to start fully? If I'm the Red Sox, I'm fine with having him start full time. I wouldn't go after Thome, but Konerko and Helton should definitely be considered as options, as well.

[Sox Fan on Cape]

Jim Thome would be a big liability, he's been declining for past couple of seasons now. If not Paul Konerko, Aubrey Huff or Todd Helton I wouldnt mind at all being signed as the new 1st baseman

Like Konerko and Huff, Helton almost falls into same category as Thome, in my opinion.

[yankeessuck013]

I heard once on WEEI that several times Astros and Phillies scouts have been summoned to Red Sox games to watch Millar play

 

as are the mets

[riverside sluggers]

well im just hoping the scouts were summoned to games Millar had gotten some hits in

[RWH1705]

I like Huff hitting wise but how is as a defensive 1st baseman?

[riverside sluggers]

not bad, in career 1st baseman starts, 11 errors in 138 games

[yankeessuck013]

1. konerko

2. huff

3. helton

[Sox Fan on Cape]

not bad, in career 1st baseman starts, 11 errors in 138 games

I'll take it , combined with offensive stats and ability to play other positions ( a very valuable asset ).

[yankeessuck013]

Konerko is batting .271, 30 HR, 77 RBI, 72 Runs, 0 SB

 

Huff is batting .267, 17 HR, 74 RBI, 50 Runs, 8 SB

 

age doesnt really matter, huff is only 9 months younger than konerko

[elsrbueno]

I'd be surprised if the Sox went after any of the big name guys. Maybe Huff, but Konerko/Helton/Thome will be way too expensive IMO.

 

As far as a short term option, I wouldn't mind seeing Kevin Youkilis playing first base fulltime in 2006. NO, he isn't going to put up massive numbers, but he's steady and solid with the bat and would develop into a good defensive first baseman.

 

Then sign Mueller to a 1 year incentive laden deal (in case he gets hurt) and prepare for Hanley's arrival in 07 (with either him or Renteria moving to third).

 

Focus the offseason money spending on bringing back Johnny (unless his demands get out of hand) and improving the pitching staff.

[Sox Fan on Cape]

I'd be surprised if the Sox went after any of the big name guys. Maybe Huff, but Konerko/Helton/Thome will be way too expensive IMO.

 

As far as a short term option, I wouldn't mind seeing Kevin Youkilis playing first base fulltime in 2006. NO, he isn't going to put up massive numbers, but he's steady and solid with the bat and would develop into a good defensive first baseman.

 

Then sign Mueller to a 1 year incentive laden deal (in case he gets hurt) and prepare for Hanley's arrival in 07 (with either him or Renteria moving to third).

 

Focus the offseason money spending on bringing back Johnny (unless his demands get out of hand) and improving the pitching staff.

I think you're right. It depends on the negotiations with Damon. If they beleive they can't sign him within their budget constraints, they will form another plan. Perhaps ( and I said perhaps ), trade Manny to Mets ( assuming that Cameron is able to play next year- they won't have Piazza's 17 million ) get Huff , Konerko or both. Dump Millar and bring up the kids for pitching reinforements. Bill M. is gone, Youk's plays third. Net result is still a pretty potent line up and close to equal or better defensively.

[riverside sluggers]

If Manny is off to another team in 2006, the Sox will then have the willpower to extend Damon's contract and go for Konerko with a nice multi-year contract, since Konerko can be a 30+ HR season player

[Sox Fan on Cape]

If Manny is off to another team in 2006, the Sox will then have the willpower to extend Damon's contract and go for Konerko with a nice multi-year contract, since Konerko can be a 30+ HR season player

Yup, they could to that too. But most definately there will be some serious changes. I do love Huff as a perfect replacement for Millar. Any idea how much money differenial ?

[riverside sluggers]

ok lets just say that Manny doesnt come back for 2006, signing both Konerko and Huff could be plausible, and great fits for the team with konerko at first and huff in left field. not sure of the pay, but obviously konerko would be given the higher paying contract

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

The Red Sox could always make a trade for a 1st basemen. We have lots of pitching although not stellar and most likely Manny talks will continue.

 

If the Sox went after a 1st basemen I would say go all out and go after Todd Helton. Having a rough year but lets face it...the guy can hit and play defense. Stick him in the Red Sox lineup and he has lots of protection and will see plenty of pitches.

 

My guess would be the Sox don't go after these guys. Probably a steady lesser known player which I'm ok with.

[guybo]

Upside on Konerko- a ton of power and a terrific glove at 1B.

 

Downside- he is not a big RBI guy and IMHO he's not a clutch hitter. He has 30 jacks, but only 77 RBI with Podsednick hitting ahead of him stealing bases left & right. 16/30 of his HRs are of the solo variety. RISP he's hitting .240, his average overall is .271. He has a great OBP at .368. He's Ks a lot too, with 77.

 

Also, he;s going to want to get paid like a premier 1B, when he can hit for power, but not avg. Can the Sox afford his contract? Personally I hope Millar comes back because of all that he does for the team.

[yankeessuck013]

Personally I hope Millar comes back because of all that he does for the team.

 

why? because he can talk to the media!

[yeszir]

why? because he can talk to the media!

Psh, didn't you know? He's the baseball version of Tom Brady!

[riverside sluggers]

but yet he bashes on edgar

[soxie thefangirl]

Who bashes Edgar?

[yankeessuck013]

guybo

[BigPapiEnFuego]

Ken Griffey Jr.= our starting 1b.

 

Konerko is overrated. Although he is, he's an upgrade over Millar so i'd take him. That's funny, the sox don't really have any good 1b prospects. Like, our starting AAA 1B is a 34 year old guy. Damn...

 

 

But i'm sorta not joking about Griffey, i think he could cut it at first, and he would likely do it cause of his injurys. But that is a very long shot.

[soxie thefangirl]

Ohhhh ok.

[yankeessuck013]

Ken Griffey Jr.= our starting 1b.

 

Konerko is overrated. Although he is, he's an upgrade over Millar so i'd take him. That's funny, the sox don't really have any good 1b prospects. Like, our starting AAA 1B is a 34 year old guy. Damn...

 

 

But i'm sorta not joking about Griffey, i think he could cut it at first, and he would likely do it cause of his injurys. But that is a very long shot.

 

no

[BSL63087]

I'd like to see Helton or Konerko sign w/ the Sox