Suggestions For Theo On Improving The Team In June And July

[RoyNHSox]

I basically look at a baseball season for a contending team to be broken into three parts, but you might disagree:

 

April-May: Evaluate and assess what your players have to offer. Look for various strengths and weaknesses.

 

June-July: Improve and fine-tune the team. Make any necessary changes, adjustments, and trades by the end of the trading deadline 7/31.

 

August-September: Battle and fight to the end, and hope the changes you made over the prior two months work out.

 

So now that June is only a few days away what changes would you concentrate on if you were Theo?

 

 

If I were Theo I’d definitely be looking for a bona fide starter now, not just another league average innings eater. I think what we’ve seen over the past few weeks that the perceived depth of the starting pitching back in early April has considerably changed.

[Beckett95]

Starter

Lefty reliever

Good middle reliever

possibly a SS if a good one becomes available, which is doubtful

 

id say the defense and offense is fine, just need some pitching help.

 

Raja would help to.

[Optimist]

http://sports.espn.go.com/i/magazine/new/040507_clemens.jpg

 

Steinbrenner is probably already taking out a mortgage on the new stadium for this guy, so find more room for ads in Fenway and offer him, in addition to those revenues, half of Boston (throw in NH to sweeten the deal.)

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Find a way to get Albert Pujols in a Boston Red Sox uniform

[Beckett95]

Find a way to get Albert Pujols in a Boston Red Sox uniform

 

hahaha, that could happen. He'd hit 55 doubles and 55 hr at fenway

[RoyNHSox]

Find a way to get Albert Pujols in a Boston Red Sox uniform

 

Like that's going to happen! Actually the offensive production from 1B (Youk) has been exceptional so far. No need to tweak that unless Pujols REALLY did become available somehow.

[SuperManny]

I basically look at a baseball season for a contending team to be broken into three parts, but you might disagree:

 

April-May: Evaluate and assess what your players have to offer. Look for various strengths and weaknesses.

 

June-July: Improve and fine-tune the team. Make any necessary changes, adjustments, and trades by the end of the trading deadline 7/31.

 

August-September: Battle and fight to the end, and hope the changes you made over the prior two months work out.

 

So now that June is only a few days away what changes would you concentrate on if you were Theo?

 

 

If I were Theo I’d definitely be looking for a bona fide starter now, not just another league average innings eater. I think what we’ve seen over the past few weeks that the perceived depth of the starting pitching back in early April has considerably changed.

 

Ah the Billy Beane approach as stated in Moneyball - personally I would go after Livan Hernandez. He's the ultimate innings eater and supposedly on the block. Livan would make a great addition to the Former Marlins Club that the Sox have going on.

 

Obviously SS would be a big target but I doubt anyone will really be available. I would take a look at the Angels and see if they would move Cabrera. He is expendable for the Angels and the Sox could absorb his contract.

 

Oh yeah and offer Roger as much money as it takes to get him back in Boston.

[riverside sluggers]

Im starting to hear this on WEEI, from Sean MacAdams and other Boston reporters that Theo is said to be looking for a 5th starter. This is concerning Wells health issues coupled with the inconsistent efforts by Matt Clement. MacAdams mentioned that if the Angels continue their slide, there is speculation that the Sox will try and go for Kelvim Escobar. When healthy he'd be a decent 4th/5th starter for us. Much more reliable than Matt Clement has been

[monstah27]

I like the idea of Livian Hernandez if he is available. He does eat a lot of pitches and innings and would help us avoid some times where Tavarez would have to come in.

[Jeff04]

I like the idea of Livian Hernandez if he is available. He does eat a lot of pitches and innings and would help us avoid some times where Tavarez would have to come in.

 

I don't know, i would love to give kelvim escobar a shot because i just think he would do well here. But if they don't go after escobar i will expect them to try and get Hernandez.

Theo will get it done..

[TheRivernator]

Kelvim Escobar?? LOL. He is not just a 4/5 starter. The guy has pitched like a #2 thus far this yr and when he was healthy last yr and he is a FA after the season. If he stays healthy, he will get Burnett money in the offseason. If you think the angels will just pawn him off for nothing, you are kidding yourselves. Hector Carrasco is the 4/5 swing man starter the angels will try to move, but he has sucked so bad that nobody will want him.....

[TheRivernator]

Livan Hernandez is a different story. He makes a lot of money and he is on a team that cannot afford him. Add to it the fact that he has completely sucked thus far and that the nationals are out of it, and yeah, he'll be available. He may be available to any team willing to eat the 8 mil on his contract for this and next yr....

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

If David Wells can pitch effectively by June/July I don't see Theo Epstein making a move. That would leave the Red Sox with 2 excellent starters, 2 quality starters, and a #5 starter who could finish around .500

 

Trying to come up with a deal thats smart for the Red Sox while somehow removing Matt Clement would get complicated. I still think Jon Lester is a good bet to push Matt Clement out of his starting role this season and the only other option would be Roger Clemens rejoining the Red Sox.

[TheRivernator]

I am not sure how effective Wells will be. His presence in your rotation would be a stabilizing one, but that hit he took to the knee will affect him. He would have been better off being hit in his head, cause then he could go back out there right away if he survived it. Also, it isnt like he is coming off his prime yrs here, you were expecting a +3-4 w/l differential with a high 4s era. Now you have to adjust that mark downward.

 

As far as clemens is concerned, those in the media who truly think that either the yankees or the sox have an advantage over each other right now are stupid. Houston gets first crack, if they whiff on getting him, you can bet it will open up to us, but right now we arent even in the convo....

[riverside sluggers]

Kelvim Escobar?? LOL. He is not just a 4/5 starter. The guy has pitched like a #2 thus far this yr and when he was healthy last yr and he is a FA after the season. If he stays healthy, he will get Burnett money in the offseason. If you think the angels will just pawn him off for nothing, you are kidding yourselves. Hector Carrasco is the 4/5 swing man starter the angels will try to move, but he has sucked so bad that nobody will want him.....

 

Did I say he was easy to get? No I didnt. Thanks for yet again putting words in my mouth, Yankees fan. All I said is that there is speculation that the Sox will attempt to try & aquire Escobar if the Angels continue their slide. Sean MacAdams, Chris Snow, Gordon Edes, Ken Rosenthal (yankee homer), etc have brought up Escobar in their list of pitchers that might be moved.

 

Did I go into detail of how I "think" that Escobar is a 5th type of pitcher? No I didnt, thanks again. But he would be a pitcher the Sox would fit in their empty spot to fill out the rotation.

[riverside sluggers]

I am not sure how effective Wells will be. His presence in your rotation would be a stabilizing one, but that hit he took to the knee will affect him. He would have been better off being hit in his head, cause then he could go back out there right away if he survived it. Also, it isnt like he is coming off his prime yrs here, you were expecting a +3-4 w/l differential with a high 4s era. Now you have to adjust that mark downward.

 

As far as clemens is concerned, those in the media who truly think that either the yankees or the sox have an advantage over each other right now are stupid. Houston gets first crack, if they whiff on getting him, you can bet it will open up to us, but right now we arent even in the convo....

 

If the Astros continue their losing slide behind Cincy & St. Louis... it might be down to Boston & New York. Rogers wants to be on a winning team for his last season

[TheRivernator]

If the Astros continue their losing slide behind Cincy & St. Louis... it might be down to Boston & New York. Rogers wants to be on a winning team for his last season

 

True, but the stros were in a similar situation right now as they were last yr, and clemens was a key figure in their turn around....

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Just a thought but....

 

What would people say to a Manny Ramirez-Jason Schmidt swap. Having an outfield of Coco Crisp-Willy Mo Pena-Trot Nixon is still very good. Unlike Oakland, Florida, and Washington....the Giants can take on the rest of Manny's contract.

 

A deal like that would increase the rotation to a much higher level than the decrease in the outfield. I honestly don't feel our lineup would hurt that much with the loss. More at-bats for Pena who could technically bat cleanup or Youkilis, Lowell, Nixon, etc.....we hit the ball very well. I would rather have a rotation of Schilling-Beckett-Schmidt-Wakefield-Wells than a lineup that has Manny Ramirez in it. Its only a matter of time before he asks to be traded again anyways...

 

thoughts?

[Papelbon58]

just an idea for relievers, no blockbuster here, but Scott Williamson is said to be on the block in Chicago. In his most recent stint in Boston he was good. Only 11 hits in 29.2 innings pitched with a 1.29 ERA. He happened to be on a World Series team

[Papelbon58]

Just a thought but....

 

What would people say to a Manny Ramirez-Jason Schmidt swap. Having an outfield of Coco Crisp-Willy Mo Pena-Trot Nixon is still very good. Unlike Oakland, Florida, and Washington....the Giants can take on the rest of Manny's contract.

 

A deal like that would increase the rotation to a much higher level than the decrease in the outfield. I honestly don't feel our lineup would hurt that much with the loss. More at-bats for Pena who could technically bat cleanup or Youkilis, Lowell, Nixon, etc.....we hit the ball very well. I would rather have a rotation of Schilling-Beckett-Schmidt-Wakefield-Wells than a lineup that has Manny Ramirez in it. Its only a matter of time before he asks to be traded again anyways...

 

thoughts?

I would take Manny. I'm sorry, but I think for Manny to go we would have to get at least a decent bat or a lefty with Schmidt's numbers

[TheRivernator]

Just a thought but....

 

What would people say to a Manny Ramirez-Jason Schmidt swap. Having an outfield of Coco Crisp-Willy Mo Pena-Trot Nixon is still very good. Unlike Oakland, Florida, and Washington....the Giants can take on the rest of Manny's contract.

 

A deal like that would increase the rotation to a much higher level than the decrease in the outfield. I honestly don't feel our lineup would hurt that much with the loss. More at-bats for Pena who could technically bat cleanup or Youkilis, Lowell, Nixon, etc.....we hit the ball very well. I would rather have a rotation of Schilling-Beckett-Schmidt-Wakefield-Wells than a lineup that has Manny Ramirez in it. Its only a matter of time before he asks to be traded again anyways...

 

thoughts?

 

that would NEVER happen. SF is a mid-level market taking advantage of the bonds publicity. Once bonds leaves after this season, the giants will go back to having a 60s-80s payroll. Eating 20 mil a yr in Manny would make no sense, especially when the guy that are giving up is at 11 mil and in the last yr of his contract....

[Papelbon58]

Just an idea here, with the new ownership in Washington, I'll bet they will be active in July. Would you take a Manny for Soriano trade. Any chance of it? Personally, I still disagree with trading Manny, but I see it as possible.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Just an idea here, with the new ownership in Washington, I'll bet they will be active in July. Would you take a Manny for Soriano trade. Any chance of it? Personally, I still disagree with trading Manny, but I see it as possible.

 

I certainly don't see Washington taking on the money. I don't see Soriano making the Red Sox a better team either. He is not a better hitter or fielder than Ramirez.

 

Thats why I brought up moving him for a pitcher because it would potentially make the Red Sox a better team. Both Schmidt and Ramirez are close to the same age. The SF Giants will want to keep getting people in the stands and Manny Ramirez can do that. With both Ramirez and Bonds in the outfield this season it would create a real buzz plus next season they have there replacement for Barry.

 

The money is an issue but I think its something that can be resolved.

[thewarriorscode12]

I would take Manny. I'm sorry, but I think for Manny to go we would have to get at least a decent bat or a lefty with Schmidt's numbers

For sure. I'd take Manny any day of the week over Schmidt. We shouldn't break up the Manny/Ortiz Batman and Robin thing.

[monstah27]

there is something I agree with. Breaking up that tandem is the stupidest move they could ever make. Yes it might free up some money but Manny is boston. Leave him there.

[TheRivernator]

there is something I agree with. Breaking up that tandem is the stupidest move they could ever make. Yes it might free up some money but Manny is boston. Leave him there.

 

agreed. Your lefty righty combo or Manny and ortiz makes the entire team better. You break them up and it will be a domino effect....

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Breaking up that tandem is the stupidest move they could ever make.

 

Thats a little extreme. There is life after Manny Ramirez in Boston. Just as there is life in Boston without Pedro Martinez, Johnny Damon, Nomar Garciaparra....etc.

 

Icons come and go and when it comes down to the simple things I have to take a top pitching over hitting. I can guarantee the Red Sox still score a ton of runs without Manny Ramirez. The lineup is competitive from top to bottom. Adding a third ace to the rotation makes this rotation the best in the league. Throwing out Schilling, Beckett, and Schmidt is asking for a sweep almost every time. I really think the Red Sox would win more games.

 

Of course there is nothing wrong with the way this team is going right now. They are in first place and solid in every aspect. Despite Matt Clement and David Wells issues....we still have two aces on the rotation and a shut down closer. We have strong talent in the minors, gold glove fielders, and a batting lineup that is effective from top to bottom. We really don't need to make a move unless we can walk off with a steal.

 

My whole thing with getting Manny Ramirez involved in the conversation is the fact he will probably ask to be traded again

[Cityofchampions33]

What is talk of trading Manny Ramirez? He's on a tear right now, and is by no means one of our problems, he isn't complaining, and the new team dirtdog identity may just be getting to him. No, we need a starter, Kelvim Escobar would be great if we can't get Clemens back in Beantown.

[thewarriorscode12]

agreed. Your lefty righty combo or Manny and ortiz makes the entire team better. You break them up and it will be a domino effect....

Totally agreed. They are the lifeblood that fuels that whole lineup. Not to mention they play off each other.

[Beckett95]

If we did trade Manny, it would certainly be for someone more than just Schmidt. He's a good pitcher, but not even close to equal value as Manny.