offseason moves

[riverside sluggers]

it has begun with the official moves, these cuts from the roster are by no surprise, but still cool to see new and improved Sox taking shape little by little

 

Last week, the Red Sox elected to release outfielder Adam Hyzdu, and pitchers Jeremi Gonzalez, Chad Harville, and Mike Stanton opted for free agency after being designated for assignment. The team also purchased the contract of relief pitcher Edgar Martinez and added him to the 40-man roster. Martinez had played for the Portland Sea Dogs this past season appearing in 15 games (18 innings) with a 1.50 ERA, and striking out 13.

 

other interesting news

 

As happy as they were with Orlando Cabrera in the middle of their infield, the Angels already are looking to the day when 20-year-old shortstop Brandon Wood is ready. Wood hit 43 home runs for Single A Rancho Cucamonga, led the minor leagues with 110 extra-base hits, and has been tearing up the Arizona Fall League, hitting nine home runs in his first eight games. Some Angel watchers insist that Cabrera, who is having an outstanding postseason, is someone the team would consider moving this winter, because of his limited offensive production

[BigPapiEnFuego]

OMG. Trade for Cabera and put him at SS, Edgar at third. That would be awesome!

 

 

And i find it insane that that guy has hit that many home runs. Especially for a shortstop.

[example1]

For some reason I don't see Cabrera coming to Boston and I don't see Renteria playing third. Perhaps, though. We would have a tremendous infield defense with Renteria, Cabrera, Pedroia and (insert new first baseman here).

[schillingouttheks]

Renteria-Cabrera-Pedroia/Graff-Huff *drools*

[yankeessuck013]

it has begun with the official moves, these cuts from the roster are by no surprise, but still cool to see new and improved Sox taking shape little by little

 

 

 

other interesting news

 

meh. I kinda liked harville.

 

But I love the idea of OC coming back....won't happen though, but one can dream

 

http://www.buffalorange.com/images/smilies/div115.gif

[yankeessuck013]

Joe Girardi, following the lead of Florida's front office, isn't elaborating on whether slugger Carlos Delgado will return. "Obviously they have to do what they feel is best, but we've talked about it," Girardi said Thursday after he was introduced as Florida's new manager. Delgado said he was told by Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria in September to ignore reports about speculation he could be traded because, he said, Loria told him he would not be traded. But no one in the front office, not Loria and not General Manager Larry Beinfest has publicly said Delgado will return. Florida's silence on Delgado's future only leads to speculation that the slugger will be shopped this winter as the Marlins look for ways to cut costs in the face of financial problems.

 

def. think we should make a run after delgado. maybe package arroyo and some prospects for him.

[ORS]

Delgado's contract is obscene. I don't think the FO is going to be looking to add that much salary (especially since they want to get out from under Manny's so much).

[MrJimH]

Food for thought.........Let's say the rumors pan out and we end up losing Wells, Damon, Manny, Graff, Mueller, Miller and God knows who else......where would the sox go from there? Would it be time for management to say, all right, lets clean house and build for the future....thus giving the up and comers from the sox minor league systems their chance to shine while filling the vacancies and gaining much needed big league experience playing with the big boys. I know this would be against the "must win now" attitude most fans have, but could the Red Sox Nation tolerate an off season if it meant fine tuning the team with younger talent and building to the future?:dunno:

[example1]

Food for thought.........Let's say the rumors pan out and we end up losing Wells, Damon, Manny, Graff, Mueller, Miller and God knows who else......where would the sox go from there? Would it be time for management to say, all right, lets clean house and build for the future....thus giving the up and comers from the sox minor league systems their chance to shine while filling the vacancies and gaining much needed big league experience playing with the big boys. I know this would be against the "must win now" attitude most fans have, but could the Red Sox Nation tolerate an off season if it meant fine tuning the team with younger talent and building to the future?:dunno:

 

I think if we lost all of those guys EXCEPT for Manny then we could do both at the same time. We could still field a competative team (with pitching that HAS to do better than it did last year and a lineup that will probably score 850 runs).

[Ray10]

I wouldn't want to see the Sox sign Grudz he's going to be 36 and I don't think the Cardinals are going to let go of him same thing with Matt Morris who I strongly belive they will resign as well. As for Manny Ramirez there is no need to trade him. The Sox should keep him loosing him will be loosing alot of production from his spot in the lineup no player the Sox will bring in is going to put up the number Manny has unless maybe they bring in Konerko but didn't he already say something about not wanting to play here. As for the pitchers we really only need to sign maybe 1 or 2 guys at the most we have a strong 3 in Wells, Clement, Arroyo, Papelbon and they should push for a guy like Burnett. Someone who they can bring in to help the team and who isn't going to cost too much money.

[riverside sluggers]

one scenario is wells being traded back to san diego as boston F.O. have said they will make accomodations like they had done for Payton and others. most likely that would be for bullpen help.

 

with Wade Miller's surgery delaying him to playing pro baseball until June or later. that signals Sox will hesitate to resign him.

 

Bronson Arroyo is a viable option to be trade bait in a 1st baseman deal. Entering an arbitration offseason he'd likely demand a longer contract than just the club option 1 season. So that would leave

 

Schilling

Wakefield

Papelbon

Clement (Sox announcing they asked him to have surgery might have killed any thoughts of a trade)

 

that of course leaves a spot open for them to look through the free agent market of starting pitchers. Their #1 sought after is probably like other teams, AJ Burnett. Who said during the trading deadline in July that Boston is a place he wouldnt mind pitching for, and loves the community and fans that come together for each game of the season as opposed to what its like for the marlins.

[pats55sox45]

do we really want to resign timlin for three mill

 

we need to have depth in the bullpen

not just two guys who make a lot of money

one of them having knee probs

the other, allowing every inherited runner possible to score

[ORS]

do we really want to resign timlin for three mill

 

we need to have depth in the bullpen

not just two guys who make a lot of money

one of them having knee probs

the other, allowing every inherited runner possible to score

Timlin was our best option in the BP last year. If we need depth, as you say, then we need to keep him. His performance last year warrants $3M.

[riverside sluggers]

one rumor im hoping is flat out false on the "hot stove talks" is that there is a rumored Sox/Arizona deal with Sox getting Troy Glaus, involving some big prospects

 

Pros of having Troy Glaus

power hitter capavle of 40+ HRs and 100+ RBIs

can draw his fair share of walks

 

Cons of having Troy Glaus

has had injury-marred seasons

full seasons of play will strike out 140 times or more

errors are his best friend, 5 seasons of 20 or more errors

career .945 fielding percentage

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

I really don't see Troy Glaus as a fit to our team. Unless he is playing 1B or our DH. I don't think I see the Red Sox involving any of there big prospects. I read this rumor too and it sounds stupid...no sense. They did mention some interesting names like Brian Giles and Torri Hunter...that makes more sense to me.

[ksushi]

yeah, i see the sox staying in house with third base, i think they're more likely to try and get overbay or huff and put youk at third.

[ORS]

Pure speculation, but perhaps the Sox have come to terms with the Angels on a Manny trade that involves Brandon Wood. That gives them the flexibility to trade Hanley, who could be the big name in a Glaus for prospects deal. The D-Backs are set at the corners of the IF and OF, but I'm not so sure about their future middle-infield.

[ORS]

I think if Glaus comes here, he will be used at 1B not 3B. His history is shoulder trouble, which can be reduced if he's playing on the other side of the diamond.

[yankeessuck013]

According to one major league scout, this is the hottest Hot Stove talk: ''Torii Hunter to the Yankees, but the Red Sox also like him . . . Troy Glaus in a Sox-Diamondbacks deal which could involve some big prospects, though Glaus is not the OBP type of guy they like . . . The Red Sox might get in on Kevin Millwood if he doesn't re-sign in Cleveland . . . Brian Giles is an interesting fit for Boston if they trade Manny Ramirez."

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/10/23/stability_needed_from_top_down?mode=PF

[example1]

Glaus is an intimidating presence at the plate, but his numbers are weird. He usually has an OBP between .340-.360, yet his OPS is rarely above 9. Trot does better than that. If Glaus is coming to fill Millar's hole then its not a bad option. If he's coming to fill Millar's hole defensively and Manny's spot offensively then its a horrible move.

 

Leadoff Hitter

Renteria

Ortiz

Manny

Glaus

Tek

Nixon

Youkilis

Pedroia

 

Not a bad lineup.

[TehTempesT]

my first post here, so you vets bear with me while I get up to speed on all the long posts...

I cant see any reason why the red sox wouldnt want to resign bill mueller, and I think they would be foolish not to. Resigning Johnny damon imo wouldnt do the team any good, but they do need a good leadoff hitter.

 

On the topic of timlin, I dont really think theres much doubt as to his value, he should get what he wants he was a top 10 reliever last year, even at age 39.

 

Trading manny would hurt the team immensly in the offense department, where else are you going to get that kind of run production and protection for ortiz in the lineup?

 

What about this: have mueller play 2nd base (I know he did it back when we had hillenbrand) and have youk play 3rd. Just a thought

 

Nixon has been hurt alot lately, I can forsee a possible scenario where the sox have three new starting outfielders next season, although being a fan favorite for the most part, trot will probably be out there on opening day, barring any injuries...

 

thats all for now, but rest assured i'll be around quite often

[ORS]

What about this: have mueller play 2nd base (I know he did it back when we had hillenbrand) and have youk play 3rd. Just a thought

I don't think his knees can hold up at 2nd base any more. They are becoming more of a concern every year. Rumors have it that the Sox will offer him a one year deal at his current rate, but if he seeks more than one year, or truly wants to go west as has been reported, then I think Billy Ballgame has played his last game for the Sox.

[CalvnHobs6]

I hope he stays in the AL so that when he returns to Fenway he gets the kind of reception that O-Cab got. I love seeing that.

[MC Hammer]

I don't think his knees can hold up at 2nd base any more. They are becoming more of a concern every year. Rumors have it that the Sox will offer him a one year deal at his current rate, but if he seeks more than one year, or truly wants to go west as has been reported, then I think Billy Ballgame has played his last game for the Sox.

Sometime last season Tito said that ballgame will not be playing 2B anymore, because of his knees.

[example1]

I would love to find a way to keep Mueller. I think having him as a backup 3rd and 2nd option is tenable, its just a matter of if he wants to stay for a year or work out a multi year deal somewhere else. C'mon billy, play one more year and RETIRE!!!

[TehTempesT]

okey i remember hearing that I just wasnt thinking of it when I posted.

But why wouldnt you want a player and person with the quality of play and effort you get out of mueller. He isnt the most vocal guy on the team by any stretch, but he quietly plays his hardest and never complains. I'd put him among the top third basemen in MLB

[riverside sluggers]

I don't think his knees can hold up at 2nd base any more. They are becoming more of a concern every year. Rumors have it that the Sox will offer him a one year deal at his current rate, but if he seeks more than one year, or truly wants to go west as has been reported, then I think Billy Ballgame has played his last game for the Sox.

 

very so I see Sox offering him a 1 year contract of $3 to 5 million with a club option to return in 2007 as the backup. If he declines, look for the Twins to push for him as he has been on their radar including the talked about trade deal this past July.

 

One plausible and less expensive option for the Sox F.O. would be for Mueller to be resigned for the 2006 season as the starting 3rd baseman, Youkilis at 1st base. which puts less work and time on Theo so he can focus more on the bullpen and starting pitching situations

[guapo34]

Hi, my first post on the forum. I'd just like to give my opinion on the offseason.

 

Keep Manny. You aren't going to be able to get enough in return for Manny to justify moving him. And if you do save money there aren't any guys that are free agents that can replace him either. If you take his 20 million and get Konerko and Burnett you've gotten worse for more money.

 

At first base I think you have to try and trade for Ryan Howard. He had an unbelievable rookie season and is only 25 years old. When the Phillies go out and try to trade Jim Thome and find little interest a lot of people think they may have to trade this kid. I think a package of hanley ramirez and annibal sanchez would get it done. Third base you have to give to Youk. Mueller is just as good but would cost 3 million more. Seems like an easy decision.

 

Damon is going to be overpaid to play center. His arm is horrible and his hitting is streaky. He seems like the type of player that will break down with age. Sign a cheap short term option at center or trade for a young cheap guy who can run. Any leftover money should go to the bullpen. Sign either farnsworth or BJ Ryan. I'm not sure what you do with wells, maybe thats where we can get our centerfielder cuz it doesn't look like hes coming back. Starting rotation of Schilling, Wake, Clement, Arroyo, and Pappelbon.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Hi, my first post on the forum. I'd just like to give my opinion on the offseason.

 

Keep Manny. You aren't going to be able to get enough in return for Manny to justify moving him. And if you do save money there aren't any guys that are free agents that can replace him either. If you take his 20 million and get Konerko and Burnett you've gotten worse for more money.

 

At first base I think you have to try and trade for Ryan Howard. He had an unbelievable rookie season and is only 25 years old. When the Phillies go out and try to trade Jim Thome and find little interest a lot of people think they may have to trade this kid. I think a package of hanley ramirez and annibal sanchez would get it done. Third base you have to give to Youk. Mueller is just as good but would cost 3 million more. Seems like an easy decision.

 

Damon is going to be overpaid to play center. His arm is horrible and his hitting is streaky. He seems like the type of player that will break down with age. Sign a cheap short term option at center or trade for a young cheap guy who can run. Any leftover money should go to the bullpen. Sign either farnsworth or BJ Ryan. I'm not sure what you do with wells, maybe thats where we can get our centerfielder cuz it doesn't look like hes coming back. Starting rotation of Schilling, Wake, Clement, Arroyo, and Pappelbon.

 

First and most important....Welcome to the site. Excellent first post!

 

I've mentioned Ryan Howard's name in the rumor section and agree the Sox should make a move for this kid. I know everyone thinks he is a young stud and the Phillies won't trade him. But we need to consider the Phillies were real close to making it to the playoffs this year and came short. Do they have a problem hitting the ball?? Absolutly not with Abreu, Burrell, Utley, Rollins.....so you see where I am going with this. They need pitching and in the worst way. If they had ANY kind of starting pitching they would be in the playoffs. You are also right about Jim Thome....nobody will want him. So what do the Phillies do?? Platoon the guys OR trade Howard (although they would hate it) to improve there need for pitching. You need to weigh your options and they could really improve themselves by moving Howard. It would cost a fair amount for us to get him. How about Sanchez, Clement (pick up his money) and David Wells. Something along those lines...then we can make a huge move in free agency for Burnett and BJ Ryan. The ultimate goal is to make the playoffs and win...thats all owners care about it...and the Phillies might be one prospect trade away from making it happen.

[jimmycarter05]

Hi, my first post on the forum. I'd just like to give my opinion on the offseason.

 

Keep Manny. You aren't going to be able to get enough in return for Manny to justify moving him. And if you do save money there aren't any guys that are free agents that can replace him either. If you take his 20 million and get Konerko and Burnett you've gotten worse for more money.

 

At first base I think you have to try and trade for Ryan Howard. He had an unbelievable rookie season and is only 25 years old. When the Phillies go out and try to trade Jim Thome and find little interest a lot of people think they may have to trade this kid. I think a package of hanley ramirez and annibal sanchez would get it done. Third base you have to give to Youk. Mueller is just as good but would cost 3 million more. Seems like an easy decision.

 

Damon is going to be overpaid to play center. His arm is horrible and his hitting is streaky. He seems like the type of player that will break down with age. Sign a cheap short term option at center or trade for a young cheap guy who can run. Any leftover money should go to the bullpen. Sign either farnsworth or BJ Ryan. I'm not sure what you do with wells, maybe thats where we can get our centerfielder cuz it doesn't look like hes coming back. Starting rotation of Schilling, Wake, Clement, Arroyo, and Pappelbon.

 

i strongly disagree with you on the first base situation...i think chad tracey would be a better fit....he can play 1b and 3b and the diamondbacks are covered there....he can hit for a higher average and hit just as much homers and get enough RBIs as well