Post

[example1]

I'm thinking that the next big move (after signing Matsuzaka (hopefully) should be to sign their next RF. As far as how they should progress through this offseason, what do you think should come next?

[schillingouttheks]

They need relief help, and they need it bad. I'm assuming relief help means fixing the closer gap as well, so I figure that problem can go there. You're not going to win any games if you're bullpen can't hold a lead. I think we have a solid lineup, and while it could be better, we all know that pitching is what wins championships.

[jsinger121]

Relief Help is by far the main need of this team even more than a rightfielder. It goes relief help, shortstop, backup catcher and then whatever else they need. rightfield to me is not a big time need. To win you need a bullpen.

[pudge]

You never have enough pitching .

[example1]

Relief Help is by far the main need of this team even more than a rightfielder. It goes relief help' date=' shortstop, backup catcher and then whatever else they need. rightfield to me is not a big time need. To win you need a bullpen.[/quote']

 

I guess I saw the RF as the most likely #5 hitter added to the lineup (an unstated assumption, sorry). I can see bullpen too. At this point, with the solid SP, I'm leaning more toward solidifying the IF defense again and perhaps a little more open minded to keeping Lowell for another season.

 

EDIT: if anyone knows how to change the title of a thread please let me know... I F'd up

[Anuj09]

last few world series winners have had a solid closer

 

04 Foulke

05 Jenks

06 Wainworth

 

but relief is definetly up there too

[Fried Neckbones]

Relief Help is by far the main need of this team even more than a rightfielder. It goes relief help' date=' shortstop, backup catcher and then whatever else they need. rightfield to me is not a big time need. To win you need a bullpen.[/quote']

 

Definitly agree, jsinger, with the relief (read: closer), and short needs. Assuming Gonzo re-ups - which is my preference, given the choice between him and Lugo - and one of the many closers available lands in Boston, what thoughts do you have regarding backup backstops? I ask because Kottaras looks to be a valuable addition - in '08. Short-term deal? Trade? The FA catching pool this year is pretty shallow.

 

Edit: I only voted for generic relief help instead of top-tier closer because they just need anything in their pen right now. Priority 1 is closer, tho.

[example1]

I'm thinking they're leaning toward Lugo, though. I'm not completely sure why but they have coveted him for awhile. I mean Lugo is the superior overall player, that's obvious. He's at least an average MLB shortstop defensively and is above average offensively. However, with the poor performance at the end of last year and the supposed money that he's asking for I have to imagine the sox can do better. I don't know if Gonzo is the answer, or if there is someone available via trade who could be suitable.

 

They could be looking ahead a few years for a solid SS, or they could be looking ahead and realize there won't be solid SS options for 3 years or so and are inclined toward Lugo.

[Fried Neckbones]

I'm thinking they're leaning toward Lugo, though. I'm not completely sure why but they have coveted him for awhile. I mean Lugo is the superior overall player, that's obvious. He's at least an average MLB shortstop defensively and is above average offensively. However, with the poor performance at the end of last year and the supposed money that he's asking for I have to imagine the sox can do better. I don't know if Gonzo is the answer, or if there is someone available via trade who could be suitable.

 

They could be looking ahead a few years for a solid SS, or they could be looking ahead and realize there won't be solid SS options for 3 years or so and are inclined toward Lugo.

 

In 2006, Lugo made almost $5 mill. He is the only decent ss on the market this year - he's going to be looking for $$$ or years. I personally don't want the Sox to give him either. Gonzo will come about $2-$3 mill per year cheaper, at least. Also, that poor performance you mentioned - a switch in leagues, or a response to pressure? Playing in Fenway is different than playing in Tropicana Field. This one reeks of Renteria to me.

[example1]

I agree for sure. While I acknowledge that he's the best available I'm not sold on the need to go after the top SS on this year's market. The thing I worry about with Gonzo is that he wants at least 3 years (or so I have read) if not more, and he wants to start. Starting now isn't a problem, but if something better comes along then there he is, an overpaid SS who can't hit better than .270 in a good year.

 

It's a conundrum for sure.

[Fried Neckbones]

Nobody in the '07 class who jumps out, either. Eckstein and Carlos Guillen are probably the best of the lot (Young too, but with a club option he ain't going anywhere). And no good looking prospects that I can see. Gonzo would be a decent trade chip if they can sign him on the relative cheap, say $3-$4 mill per. Seems the way to go to me.

[BSN07]

A closer, bullpen help, RF/SS is the order I see them heading in.

[a700hitter]

Top two needs: Get a good #5 hitter and rebuild the back of the bullpen.

[DUSTINMOHR4LIFE]

Definetly sign/trade for a closer.

[Beckett95]

Closer (Lidge)

Reliever (Speier)

Reliever (C. Bradford/R. Springer/E. Gagne)

RF(which i think we'll end up being Drew anyway, if not him im fine with WMP)

Lefty (Embree/D. Oliver/Schoenwise)

SS (Gonzo should be coming back, but if Lugo isnt getting any other offers...)

bench (Barajas and Preston Wilson)

[scaffolds]

Embree, Oliver ????????? you can't be serious

[Beckett95]

Embree's the best lefty-reliever available.

 

Ino he sucked in 2005, but he has been a solid reliever throughout his career.

 

Last year: 3.27 ERA, 73 G, 52 IP, 53 K's, 1.23 WHIP, 16 holds, 3.53 K/BB ratio

 

agaisnt Lefties: .240 avg, 1.19 WHIP, 1.67 ERA

 

id be willing to give him an other shot. I'd think he could put up another '04 year in Boston.

 

o yea and Oliver wasnt bad either

Oliver: 3.44 ERA, 1.12 WHIP